Additional TASER Devices for Eugene Police

The Eugene Police Department is expected to give 30 extra police officers the self defense TASER device before the end of the year.

Over two years ago police officials decided that they would give all patrol officers the option to carry the stunning device as part of their personal protective equipment; however, they waited to make the extra purchases until minor changes were made to the department’s policy on the use of the self defense tool.

It was only last fall that the policy was finalized.

Around 30 officers have made clear their desire to carry TASER tools on their person while on duty. In 2008 around 40 Eugene officers started carrying the tools as part of an initial pilot program. In 2009, the self defense devices then became a permanent feature to the belts of officers when results showed that they were effective at reducing crime and injuries to both officers and those they were targeting.

Police decided that the only way to see whether or not the tools were a good idea was to launch a trial program after years of public debate over their usefulness and safety. In 2006, a 19-year-old male was shot and killed by police officers during a psychotic episode that saw the male in question walking towards officers with a kitchen knife.

The parents of the 19-year-old and others put forward their views on the employment of TASER devices, explaining that they hoped with the introduction of such tools into the police force they would stop similar fatalities from happening.

While the self defense tools have garnered a negative response from many areas in the public, the devices come with many benefits that are proving essential in the line of police work and for numerous members of the public.

When it comes to traditional firearms, TASER weapons are non-lethal and safe when they are employed on a target. Not only this, but several studies support these claims making them the perfect device to have on hand when it comes to increasing a person’s safety.

The officers who are interested in the additional tools will first be required to undertake a two-day 20-hour training program to make sure that they understand the department’s policy on the tools and know how to effectively employ them for the best results in any situation.

Those who will have the device on hand will have it as an additional tool to utilize in a tense situation, but will not be required to use it as the only tool. Either way, those that do have it will be guarded with an extra self defense device that is part of their personal protective equipment.