Taser Guns Used in Westport Training

Whenever a law enforcement officer is in training for certification to use Taser guns in the line of duty she or he must experience the full force of the weapon.

Westport Sergeant John Cuoto wanted to know what his target would experience. He and fellow patrolman Mike Silvia, who also submitted to the Taser gun’s effects, will be providing the eight-hour training for the rest of the local constabulary on the Taser guns (twenty-five of them) which were purchased recently. They were paid for by unspent salary dollars. Each unit cost Westport about $900.

Cuoto said, “It’s similar to a shock from an indoor outlet – that kind of pulsing, I wouldn’t describe it as painful but it was definitely
uncomfortable. And you couldn’t pull away.” During the five second burst Cuoto said it was like being “frozen in place” and like going “from 100 miles an hour to zero. I could have gotten up and had breakfast. And there were no lingering effects.”

Chief Pelletier said, “There are a great many benefits to Taser guns.”

The non lethal weapons have been added to Westport officers’ arsenal, which already includes pepper spray, batons, and firearms. When confronted with unruly offenders, officers need to protect themselves and citizens.

“Taser guns give us one more step before the need for deadly forcer,” said Pelletier. All officers hope to avoid lethal response and appreciate the added option.