[May 16, 2009] Madison cops may get Tasers Tweet MADISON, May 16, 2009 (New Haven Register - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- The Board of Police Commissioners voted Thursday to approve up to six Taser stun guns for the Police Department, pending the board's approval of a policy governing use of the weapons. Board Vice Chairman Dave Smith said Friday the Tasers would be equipped with audio and video capabilities, and would cost about $1,200 each. Smith said grants are available, should the town purchase Tasers. The board voted 4-0 in favor of the Tasers after watching a video presentation and live demonstration from manufacturer TASER International, Smith said. Chairman Emile Geisenheimer was not present for the meeting. The board Thursday also heard comments about the devices from a handful of residents, all of whom supported the use of Tasers, Smith said. Robert Nolan, who leads the department, last month recommended that the board approve Tasers, which help subdue people by administering an electric shock. He said the "less-lethal" weapons are an effective way to disable combative people, and that they generate fewer lawsuits than batons. Police officials have praised Tasers as a way to avoid injury and the use of lethal force. But the devices have gained national attention after some people died after being shocked with Tasers. Smith said the board will likely discuss a policy at its next meeting that would detail when and how Tasers should be deployed. To see more of New Haven Register, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.nhregister.com. Copyright (c) 2009, New Haven Register, Conn. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]