State Troopers Begin Using Tasers

State Troopers have a new weapon to help them cope with violent confrontations — Tasers.

State Police officials say troopers throughout New York have recently completed training on using Tasers and they have launched a pilot program in which troopers in each patrol zone will be carrying the "less than lethal" weapons. 

Law enforcement agencies using Tasers have seen dramatic decreases in suspect and officer injuries, according to John P. Melville, acting State Police superintendent, who is hoping the use of Tasers will reduce injuries to New York's troopers.

Purchase of the 142 Taser model X-26 ECDs being used by state troopers was funded by a donation to the State Police in July by the New York State Trooper Foundation.

Although not every trooper will have a Taser, State Police officials say troopers with the Tasers will be available to assist other troopers in their area when dealing a violent or escalating confrontation.

The weapons, according to Taser International, use a replaceable compressed nitrogen cartridge two fire two small probes, which that are attached to Taser by insulated wires. Instead of relying on pain to incapacitate a person, Taser International says its X26 ECD affects the sensory and motor functions of the  nervous system.

The Taser can be used up to 35 feet away from a person. State Police officials say that after a person is temporarily incapacitated, they recover from the Taser shot immediately.

Tasers are also used by local police departments in Rockland County and Westchester County to help police officers cope with violent incidents.