A taser that actually shoots darts is considered what according to evidence directives?

A taser that shoots darts is classified as a firearm because it employs an electroshock mechanism to incapacitate a target through the use of projectiles. In legal and law enforcement terms, a firearm is generally defined as a weapon that expels a projectile through a controlled explosion, typically involving gunpowder. In this context, even though tasers are designed primarily for incapacitation rather than lethality, the method in which they operate—firing darts toward a target—aligns with the definition of a firearm.

This classification carries implications for how the use of tasers is regulated and how officers are trained in their use. Understanding this classification is crucial for compliance with legal standards and policies governing the deployment of such devices in law enforcement settings.