WOODVILLE – The Taser is one tool in law enforcement’s toolbox to subdue suspects and keep dangerous situations from escalating. The Woodville Police Department recently was able to obtain new Tasers for all members of its force.
The funding for the purchase came through the City of Woodville, and replaces older models, which according to Woodville PD Capt. Jathan Borel, were nearing the end of their lifespan.
“We decided to look into more advanced models, and chose the Taser 7,” Borel said. The devices have a quicker frequency than the models the department used previously. “It’s more effective, as far as controlling a suspect goes,” he added.
Borel said the new models also allow for law enforcement officers to not receive any collateral shocks while deploying them, which allows for officers to be hands-on with a suspect while subduing them.
There are also two cartridges in the new Tasers, which will prevent an officer from needing to reload, in case one of the darts doesn’t make contact.
The new Tasers cost around $3,000 apiece, a cost broken down over an annual contract over a 5-7 year period, which is typically the lifespan of the devices, Borel said. The manufacturer covers the warranty and any maintenance over that period.
The new devices are in officers’ hands in time for this year’s annual Dogwood Festival, with the coming Western Weekend parade and rodeo this weekend and the subsequent Queen’s Weekend events next weekend.
“Our goal is to always have a joyous and peaceful environment,” Borel said. “Our obvious concerns during any large social gathering has to do with the amount of alcohol being concerned,” he said.
However, typically, with the festival cycle, there is not a lot of safety concerns, he said. “With the new Taser, if it is needed, let’s say in an altercation, the Taser can be deployed.”
