The Tallahassee Police Department is working to ensure all sworn and reserve officers have a TASER. Spokesman David Northway says officials are looking into the benefits of leasing TASERs.“If we do the lease program, that we’re looking into, all the extra things that come with a TASER would be involved, would be included in that,” Northway says. “So that’s an incentive for us to do that. And that’s some of the upkeep. The batteries for them, the cartridges that must be used for them—they’re one time use cartridges—those types of things will be included in the package.”
Currently the department has 383 working TASER units. The Tallahassee Police Department is making plans to ensure every sworn and reserve officer has a TASER. TPD is hopes to get a five year lease contract with a TASER supply company.
Although purchasing TASERs for an entire department can be costly, Public Information Officer David Northway believes leasing could be a solution.
“What we’re hoping for is that all officers at TPD will be on one system,” Northway says. “Right now, we’re on two systems, or some officers do not have that actual tool for their belt, if you will.”
Northway says the leasing company will also provide maintenance and supplies for the TASERs, such as disposable cartridges and batteries.
