Madison County Sheriff’s Deputies to Use Tasers
JACKSON, Tenn.-The Madison County Sheriff‘s Department purchased new tasers deputies say could save lives. Andrew Pollock volunteered to be tased Tuesday. “Very, very painful, bad experience,” he said. Pollock works as a sheriff‘s deputy in Madison County. “Stress level goes up you know knowing it’s about to happen,” he said. The department purchased 22 new tasers. Tuesday, instructors taught deputies how to use them. “It doesn’t let your brain tell your voluntary muscles what to do,” said Lieutenant Chip Holland. Tasers act as an alternative to deadly force. Deputies said they are effective, save lives, and will be assigned out during each shift. “It’s a way to take somebody into custody without anybody getting injured,” said Holland. The tasers cost the department about $41,000. “We think if it saves the life of a perpetrator or of the officers, then it’s certainly worth the price that we have to pay,” said Sheriff David Woolfork. Deputies do not have to be tased to carry the tool. It is voluntary. “It gives you a lot of credibility when you go to court when you can say I’ve used this before. I felt the effects,” said Holland. Pollock feels safer carrying a taser. “I think it’s a long time coming and I think it’s gonna be great,” he said. The new tasers come equipped with audio and video surveillance the department can use for evidence. The taser training lasts about six hours. Deputies will have to be recertified periodically. Sheriff Woolfork expects deputies to start using the tasers within the next few days.
