SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) will begin training its officers on how to use a new type of Taser next week.
The SDPD has purchased the TASER 10 for all of its officers. The TASER 10 can fire probes faster and from a greater distance, but operates at a lower voltage.
@abc10news San Diego police are investing $9.5 million in new Tasers that fire farther and faster at lower voltages. While police say they will reduce the number of officer-involved shootings, some worry they may be deployed too quickly. Full story in our bio. #relatable #foryou #police #taser #news #crime #officer #sandiego10news ♬ Original sound – ABC 10News San Diego
The department says the TASER 10 is more effective than the previously used Taser model X-36P.
The SDPD agreed to a five-year, $9.7 million contract with the city government for the new Tasers.
The department reports that the previous tasers were only 62% effective.
“62% is just not good enough,” said Lt. Mike Ramsay. “That’s why we’re always looking for new technologies, equipment and training to reduce these encounters.”
Data presented to the City Council shows officers have used Tasers 657 times over the past five years. ABC 10News has requested information on annual usage and trends, but was advised that a public records request is required. The request was submitted, but records have not yet been received.
SDPD’s previous Tasers could fire two probes at once. The new TASER 10 holds up to ten probes and can fire them individually.
“10 darts and distance are really critical,” Ramsay said. “Even if there is a miss, officers have a lot more options with a less lethal device that works out to 14 meters.”
However, not everyone is in favor of the new Tasers. Civil rights attorney Brody McBride argues that such devices could lead to officers using them before attempting to de-escalate the situation.
“The most serious criticism of these Tasers is that they can lead police to use them instead of seeking de-escalation,” McBride said. “De-escalation should be the top priority. If officers can safely de-escalate a situation, they should do so.”
