Some Akron leaders want to equip all city police officers with Tasers.
City Council is urging the administration to make the weapon a standard piece of equipment for patrol officers and is pledging to find the money to buy more of them.
The recommendation comes after many council members rode along with police to experience patrols.
Council members Donnie Kammer and Veronica Sims noticed that not every officer out in the field has a Taser.
Sims said she wants all officers to have the option available, especially in light of police shootings around the country that have sparked violence and protests.
It’s a matter of safety not only for the public, but also the officers, Sims and Kammer said.
The weapons produce volts of electricity to subdue suspects.
“Obviously, I’d rather them use a Taser than any other kind of weapon,” Kammer said.
James Hardy, chief of staff for Mayor Dan Horrigan, said the city would like to invest in body cameras and more Tasers and is now trying to figure out how to pay for both.
The city has about 180 to 185 Tasers in use.
Another 65 have been purchased with the help of $82,000 in federal money and are on the way.
The city likely needs another 20 to 30 to ensure that all patrol officers are equipped, police Major Paul Calvaruso said.
The city has been using Tasers for about 15 years.
“We definitely think it’s a wonderful tool to have on our tool belt,” Calvaruso said.
“The more officers we can get with a Taser, we feel that it’s better for everybody.”
Police estimated that Tasers have a lifespan of seven to 10 years.
The local police union, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 7, couldn’t be reached for comment.
Rick Armon can be reached at 330-996-3569 or rarmon@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter at @armonrickABJ.
