Jersey Police Finally Gain Right to Use Stun Gun

After years of debate, New Jersey has agreed to permit police officers to carry and use stun guns. The last state to allow the use of non-lethal disabling devices, New Jersey has long expressed reluctance to permit officers access to such weapons. Public appearances, as well as potential hazards, have been cited as reasons behind the delays.

The use of these weapons remains restricted, and must meet specific criteria. They can only be fired upon people who are clearly emotionally disturbed, armed or unwilling to surrender. Even with these controls in place, there are few stun guns being issued to townships across the state. Financing and training are the primary reasons behind delays.

Allowed But Not Distributed
Towns with less than 25,000 residents have only one officer that is trained to use the weapon. Cities with 75,000 residents or more can arm four police officers. Additionally SWAT teams and emergency response units are allowed to carry the weapons. It can take a while for smaller towns to raise the money needed for both the training and the weapon.

Training is required for any officer which is assigned to carry the weapon. As training protocols are not yet established, it may be a while before the stun guns find their way’s into anyone’s hands. Still, most officers feel that this is a positive first step that will help protect police as well as the public.

Public Perception Drives Usage
Worries about public perception of the use of a stun gun do exist. Not wanting to be connected to some of the nightmare scenarios that have made their way onto televisions, supervisors are stressing that armed officers must complete their training and always act with caution before discharging their stun guns.

It is important to realize, debate not withstanding, that the use of stun guns saves lives. This is an important addition to the arsenal available to police officers.