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Pocono News Section
New Crimefighting Tool for Archbald Police
New Crimefighting Tool for Archbald Police - Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 5:30PM EST
Reported by: Eric Deabill
Wednesday, Sep 16, 2009 @ 05:30pm EDT
ARCHBALD, LACKAWANNA COUNTY -- A police department in Lackawanna County has a new crime fighting tool. The Archbald Police Department now has four new tasers which officers are being trained to use.
The chief says the goal of having the tasers is protect everyone who lives in this community.
Several other police departments in Lackawanna County already have tasers, including Blakely, Scott Township and South Abington Township.
Archbald Police Chief Tim Trently shows off his squadÕs newest crime fighting tool - the X-26 taser.
The department has bought four guns with the help of local organizations and donations. ÒAny time we put another type of weapon on our duty belt -- or in our hands -- it requires extensive training," said Trently.
Tasers are a non-lethal crime fighting tool. They incapacitate a suspect with an electrical charge.
Officers say they'll come in handy with unruly suspects or people who are suicidal. ÒMaybe they're looking to jump off a bridge, or harm themselves in some way, that a taser could prevent this from happening -- certainly this is a tool that can be used for that," said Chief Trently.
People in Archbald like Donna Munley like the department's pro-active approach to policing. ÒI think itÕs a good idea if the person is in need of help and the taser would help them, if they, like as you say, they're suicidal," she said.
Others -- like Marguerite Dippel -- like the fact the tasers didn't cost taxpayers any money. ÒI think itÕs a positive thing -- actually if its given to them free. I think that is necessary for a standoff," she said.
Chief Trently says statistics show the use of tasers cuts down on injuries to both suspects and police when used effectively. ÒMost of the police officers take this deployment prior to the taser being issued to them, so they know what this device can do," he adds.
The chief says every officer who is issued a taser will have to have constant practice and refresher courses in how to use the weapon. | | |
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