Dallas County District Attorney John Carzo addressed the Dallas City Council on September 18, 2024, advocating for a legislative change regarding TASER TENS devices. Carzo emphasized that these devices should not be classified as firearms or deadly weapons under Texas law. He argued that the current classification could hinder law enforcement's ability to effectively use these tools to de-escalate potentially dangerous situations, particularly involving individuals with mental health issues.

Carzo highlighted the advantages of the TASER TENS, which features ten barbs compared to the two found in traditional models. This increased capacity, he argued, enhances the likelihood of successfully incapacitating a subject without causing lethal harm. He expressed a strong belief that this change could save lives and noted that many police chiefs across Texas share this perspective.

In his remarks, Carzo also provided a handout detailing incidents involving less lethal weapons, underscoring the potential risks associated with their use. He warned that upcoming legislative sessions might see efforts to redefine these devices, which could have significant implications for past convictions related to their use.

The discussion reflects ongoing efforts to improve public safety measures while addressing the complexities of law enforcement tools. As the council considers these issues, the implications of Carzo's advocacy could shape future policies and practices in Dallas and beyond.