St. Paul’s Police Department intends to purchase 230 Taser guns using $230,000 garnered in a series of drug raids. Though the St. Paul City Council must approve the action, it is anticipated that the weapons will be ordered and arrive prior to the Republican National Convention slated for September 1 - 4, 2008.

Police and other city officials are keenly alert to the added security demands which will be placed on their resources, straining all sectors of the municipality. While they are game for the challenge, there are additional considerations.

City officials deny wanting to lay in the supply of Taser guns in case they are needed against political protestors. The City of St. Paul is keenly interested in efficient crowd management, even though they are expecting few disruptive influences. It is expected to be an orderly gathering of enthusiastic supporters who are intent upon cheering on their various chosen candidates.

In an attempt to reduce the use of lethal firearms, spokesperson Tom Walsh said, "Our hope is that no one will have to use any degree of force. If it becomes necessary, will that be one of the tools available to them? I suppose that's safe to say."

In any case, St. Paul’s finest will be arming themselves with non-lethal weapons in order to streamline law enforcement and arm them with leading edge technology.