On 10/7/2025, the Blue Lake Rancheria (BLR) Tribal Police Department hosted a law enforcement TASER Energy Weapon Operator Certification training. This training was an interTribal effort, bringing Officers from the Blue Lake Rancheria, Yurok, and Hoopa Tribal Police departments out for the training. Together they learned how to properly and safely handle and discharge a taser. Some of the key safety guidelines in place for the safe deployment of a taser include being aware of the enhanced risk of falls and the immediate surroundings around the scene, considering the risk of known flammables or explosives, using preferred target areas, controlling and restraining quickly to minimize exposure, and being aware of particularly susceptible and higher risk populations. The BLR Tribal Police Department takes a community-based approach to protecting the community, and is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of its community members. This is part of BLR’s ongoing mission to build Tribal resilience through public safety.
After the training, the participants had to pass a live target demonstration before achieving their certification. The TASER Energy Weapon Operator Certification is valid for one calendar year, requiring recertification within that time period. This ensures that law enforcement personnel are always trained and ready with current knowledge of how to safely operate a taser. When used properly, tasers are a very effective de-escalation tool. They keep the community safe by providing a non-lethal force option in a situation in which a subject needs to be apprehended for their own safety or the safety of others.
Originally Published: 10/23/2025