Sparta PD To Start Training With New Tasers

The Sparta Police Department will introduce tasers as one of its tools to ensure officer and resident safety.

Police Chief Doug Goff said 15 refurbished ones will be delivered to the department this week for training to begin.

“We assess our needs at the police department almost constantly everyday,” Goff said. “We’ve had several situations where tasers are actually needed.”

Goff said from his research, tasers reduce the risk of injuries by 56 percent. Goff said in critical situations, tasers are usually enough to make a culprit comply.

“It just gives officers another tool on their belt to bring a bad situation to under control without lethal options,” Goff said.

Goff said six officers are already taser certified. Goff said the remainder of the department will also be certified after training begins. The budgeted purchase came out to about $11,000.

“Obviously, our officers will have the adequate training that they need to deal with these situations,” Goff said.

The department also purchased two new SUVs and 14 new handguns.