The Orleans County Sheriff's Office has acquired 17 additional Taser X-26 energy devices, non-lethal law enforcement weaponry. The sheriff's office now has 22. Two of the newly acquired devices were donated to the Medina Police Department. Taser devices use proprietary technology to incapacitate dangerous, combative, or high-risk individuals who pose a risk to law enforcement officers, innocent citizens or themselves in a manner that is generally recognized as a safer alternative to other uses of force. More than 7,000 law enforcement agencies are currently deploying taser technology. Funds for the devices were acquired by the Orleans County Deputy Sheriff's Association through a grant allocation by Senator George D. Maziarz (62nd District). "Tasers will certainly not rectify every situation," Orleans County Sheriff Scott Hess said. "They are nevertheless a safer use-of-force option. The use of these devices will reduce officer involved shootings as well as injuries to suspects." All Orleans County Sheriff's Deputies have been trained in the proper use of these devices. This recent acquisition allows each uniformed deputy to have a device permanently assigned to him or her. March 18, 2007 |
