New “PhaZZers” save sheriff’s office thousands

JACKSON, Tenn. — A change in weapons for Madison County deputies is expected to save taxpayers thousands of dollars. The department is replacing their tasers with a generic brand, which they say actually work better than the original.

But their effect on a fleeing suspect packs the same punch.

“I’ve been exposed to them before, it is debilitating,” Lt. Chip Holland with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office said. “When it’s on you, you’re not fighting ,you’re done.”

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office will soon introduce 25 new PhaZZers, replacing older Taser brand guns. That company recently lost its patent on non-lethal weapons which opened the door to cheaper versions.

“Other people are coming and competing with taser,” Lt. Holland said. “Hopefully everyone’s price will drop down and make it more economical for us.”

There is not much difference visually between the Taser and the PhaZZer but deputies said because it is smaller and more cost efficient it is better for them.

“The battery life on the taser is not that great,” Holland said. “The PhaZZer has got almost twice the battery life.”

Another big difference, safety. When a suspect is PhaZZed, it only shocks in 5 second intervals compared to the Taser which will shock as long as the trigger is held down.

“Anything beyond 15 seconds, you’ve really got to explain why,” Lt. Holland said. “Because there could be a medical issue that occurred.”

With a cheaper and safer non-lethal weapon, deputies said the technology has changed law enforcement for the better.

“You carried a night stick and a pistol and that was your options,” Lt. Holland said. “But now with PhaZZer and these other electrical control devices are just another step forward.”

The sheriff’s office said its old Tasers cost about $900 per weapon, while PhaZZers cost only $600. They said that cost savings will allow them to equip even more deputies in the coming years.

The department is expected to put deputies through PhaZZer training in about two weeks before all 25 weapons are introduced to patrol units.