Hollister police officers began Taser training Wednesday after
finally receiving the controversial stun-guns last week, and
officers should have the new tool hanging from their belts by
Sunday, according to the police chief.
Hollister – Hollister police officers began Taser training Wednesday after finally receiving the controversial stun-guns last week, and officers should have the new tool hanging from their belts by Sunday, according to the police chief.
Officers participated in a four-hour long training session where they watched informational videos on the weapons and practiced firing them, said Chief Jeff Miller, who also took part in the training.
“The goal is to reduce officer injuries, and if people understand the officers have another tool, I’m hoping they’ll be more reluctant to be combative,” Miller said. “There’s no excuse for fighting a police officer – that’s what the courts are for. I wanted to give the officers one more tool to protect themselves as they’re trying to protect the public.”
The 15 guns and holsters for every officer were bought with a $20,000 grant from the state the department received in October. Officers will check them out and have the stun-guns only while on duty.
The Taser X26, which is the same model used by the San Benito County Sheriff’s Department and Gilroy Police Department, can shoot up to 50,000 volts of electricity into a subject up to 21 feet away. The jolt is supposed to leave a suspect incapacitated for about seven to eight seconds.
The department’s policy says if a Taser is used, the suspect must be taken to the hospital to have the darts removed by a doctor and the officer must clearly outline how and why he used the gun in a written report, Miller said.
Despite local law enforcement officials’ continual support, the stun-guns continue to spark controversy across the nation.
A cardiologist at the University of California at San Francisco recently decried the supposed “less than lethal” stun-guns because he said a jolt of electricity at the exact right time could cause someone to go into cardiac arrest, according to media reports.
And officers around the country have made headlines by shooting young children with the guns for offenses such as refusing to stop playing a video game in class, according to media reports.
Miller said deaths have been associated with every weapon officers have at their disposal, and controversy erupts anytime a new tool is made available. Miller didn’t put any age limit or restrictions on Taser use for the officers, but said every officer must use his or her discretion and best judgment.
“I am more than ever convinced of the efficacy of the Tasers,” Miller said. “As people become aware the officers are equipped with them I hope they will comply with the officers’ demands. The ultimate goal is compliance.”
Erin Musgrave covers public safety for the Free Lance. Reach her at 637-5566, ext. 336 or em*******@fr***********.com
