What is a TASER / CEW?

TASER is the brand. CEW is the category.

CEW means conducted energy weapon; you may also see “conducted electrical weapon” or CED, conducted energy device. TASER is Axon’s brand, not a generic name for every electrical self-defense product. Probe-firing devices send electrical pulses through thin wires and are designed to temporarily disrupt voluntary muscle control, an effect called neuromuscular incapacitation (NMI). [1] [2] [8]

A contact stun gun generally relies on localized pain and requires direct contact. It should not be treated as equivalent to a probe-firing CEW. Check the specific product: the TASER brand also includes contact-stun products. [2]

Less-lethal does not mean harmless. NIJ research identifies the possibility of significant and potentially lethal injuries. A device can also fail to produce the intended effect. Training, sound judgment and an emergency plan remain essential; owning a device is not a guarantee of protection. [3]

Why consider one for personal or security use?

For individuals: a potential opportunity to escape

A suitable civilian device may offer a less-lethal self-defense option that can work without direct hand-to-hand contact. Axon describes civilian self-defense products as intended to create an opportunity to escape to safety. That is a reason to evaluate one—not a reason to enter or prolong a confrontation. Consumer and duty models have different operating characteristics; do not assume a used duty model behaves like a civilian escape-oriented device. [4]

Consider whether you can meet the training, lawful carry, safe storage and maintenance responsibilities. Tell us your intended use and location when asking about individual equipment options.

For security companies: another option within an approved program

Where permitted and appropriate, a CEW can add a less-lethal option to a trained team’s response capabilities. A 2011 National Institute of Justice report found that CED use could reduce injuries in police use-of-force incidents. This is evidence from law enforcement—not proof of the same outcome for every private security company, model or incident. It does not establish an insurance discount. [5]

Our purchasing recommendation is to assess the complete program: approved duties, model-specific training, written use-of-force policy, maintenance, incident reporting, medical-response procedures and insurance acceptance. An equipment purchase alone does not establish that program.

California role matters: BSIS distinguishes registered security guards from proprietary private security officers. Its training manual states that proprietary security officers may not carry electronic control devices or stun guns. Confirm your actual registration, assignment and employer requirements before choosing duty equipment; do not assume every security role permits a CEW. [6]

Will a TASER device lower insurance or liability costs?

Do not budget for an automatic premium reduction. We did not identify a generally applicable, published TASER-specific insurance discount in the sources reviewed. Injury research, liability exposure and an insurer’s premium are different things. HolstersMaster does not quote insurance or promise lower rates.

Specialist security insurance programs distinguish general liability, professional liability, assault-and-battery coverage and other protections. For example, Brownyard lists these as separate coverage considerations and requests application and loss-history information for a quote. Its published program information is not a confirmation that your CEW use is covered. [7]

Before issuing devices, ask your licensed broker or insurer for written answers:

• Does the policy cover this exact CEW use and these security assignments?
• Are assault-and-battery or weapons exclusions, sublimits or endorsements relevant?
• What training, maintenance and reporting conditions apply?
• Are the company and individual guards covered, and how are defense costs handled?
• Would the proposed program change the premium, deductible or eligibility? Request the actual quote.

These are questions for a policy review, not statements of coverage. California’s BSIS manual notes that wrongful or negligent actions can expose both security personnel and their employer to civil liability. A less-lethal device does not remove that exposure. [6]

Buying used: compare the complete package

Start with our TASER / CEW model showcase, then check current inventory and prices. A showcase model is not a promise of stock. For a specific used unit, ask for current photos, disclosed condition, its functional-check information, battery and cartridge details, a compatible carrier, and included accessories.

Also confirm current manufacturer support, service eligibility, any software access, training availability and applicable return terms before deciding. A working CID (Central Information Display), laser and flashlight are useful condition details, but do not by themselves establish full serviceability or remaining service life. A lower device price is only one part of the total cost.

Common TASER / CEW questions

Sources & further reading

Manufacturer sources explain product terminology and intended use. NIJ sources discuss historical police research; they are not guarantees about private security outcomes. Insurance and regulatory sources should be checked against your current circumstances.

1. Axon: TASER brand information.
2. TASER Self-Defense: terminology and device differences (2025). Used for definitions, not blanket medical-safety claims.
3. NIJ: Monitoring Police Use of Conducted Energy Devices (2008, archived).
4. TASER Self-Defense: law-enforcement versus civilian devices (2025).
5. NIJ: Police Use of Force, Tasers and Other Less-Lethal Weapons (2011).
6. California BSIS: Powers to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force Training Manual, printed pages 15 and 36 (PDF).
7. Brownyard: security professionals insurance. General program information, not a quote or endorsement.
8. Axon: CEW, CED and electronic control weapon terminology.

General equipment information, not legal, medical or insurance advice. TASER is a trademark of Axon Enterprise, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. HolstersMaster is not affiliated with or endorsed by Axon.