Lakewood Police Officers won’t be getting Tasers anytime soon due to budgetary constraints, Police Chief Rob Lawson tells TLS. Though the Chief had hoped to have the non-lethal guns by the end of this year, he says the Operating Budget won’t allow them the purchase until next year.
“They’re a great useful tool, but we’ve existed many years without them, and although I’d like to get them I can hold off until next year”, the Chief said.
Nearly all States in the Country have implemented the use of Tasers, but it wasn’t until about a year ago that State Attorney General Paula Dow approved the guns for New Jersey Police Departments.
When the department decides to purchase the video-equipped pieces, they would be required to use one of two options dictated by the Attorney General. The items can run between $2,000-$2,500 a piece.
Since becoming legal to Law Enforcement Officers about a year ago, many departments have jumped on the opportunity to purchase the items which serve police well in non life-threatening – but dangerous situations.
The Chief says a 2010 incident where a man wielded a knife at an officer and was taken down by the officer’s vehicle, as reported on TLS, would be a perfect example of when a Taser would be used.
But before officers could use the Tasers, they would be required to pass a course. The course includes instruction on recognizing mental illness and dealing with EDPs (Emotionally Disturbed Persons).
Currently, the officers use pepper spray as the alternative to lethal force. The spray was made available to Lakewood Officers about 25 years ago, and is generally used in situations when a suspect is resisting arrest.
“It served us well”, said Lawson, as it provides “temporary physical discomfort, and less injuries to the officers.”
The Chief hopes to purchase about six Tasers next year, and supply them to two trained officers on each platoon. TLS.
since when did the government go bankrupt that there is no more money ????
unfortunatly this town spends money on things that we dont need and in order to pay for it the town cutsthe budget for police fire and ems.. thats makes perfect sence to me !! take away from fire police and ems and get new traffic lights or redo tennis courts stuff like that !
Don’t tase me, bro
Just use the guns. They’re more effective anyways….
Lakewood PD needs all the help they can get. They should never be denied anything.
maybe a little less community events, and a little more tools!? cut back on all these fairs, parades, fire works, etc.
its all nice & fun- but in these times when the police dept cant afford crime fighting tools; its shameful to suggest even holding a fair of some sort. its like going on a vacation, when you cant afford to pay your essential bills (mortgage, car, food, etc). its ridiculous.
(and BTW, this is what happens when residents dont pay their taxes or less than they should.)
lets start a fundraising campaign on this site and will raise the money show the cops we care
tough time of year with the holidays but i am in!!! scoop do you wanna put it together ?>
Thank goodness there is no money for the tasers. LPD will be using it @ every traffic stop!
Take some $$ from DPW. I havent seen any leaf/branch collection. Why dont they publish a progress report detailing which areas were cleaned up and how long it took?
With my property tax bill they should be able to buy the wwhole dept. Tazers
The police would have PLENTY of money for Tasers if they gave out tickets to those who deserve it.
first and foremost these taser’s are a great tool, its allows the officer to keep a safe distance from the EDP or anyone for that matter who my be a harm to himself or others. It is time the committee puts the police department first instead of at the bottom of the ladder. We have gone long enough being the red head step kids of the town. Old cars,painted desk, etc.. Give the tools to make it safe for everyone, skip just one DPW truck and it will buy the toolls the Chief who knows what his men and women need.
Huh ? Was that a joke !? The tasers are “video -equipped” ?! Why ? In case the perp sues ? And guns are not video-equipped ? Why, cuz the perp is a perp no more ? Man, sometimes these state mandates & regulations make u scratch ur head. Whatever. DB.
What a joke LKWD TWP out of funds while this whole town is being robbed blind with property tax ?
Yesterday I got knocked off here just because I said that if the police would give out tickets to those who deserve them they would have enough money for the Tasers. Kindly explain to me where I am breaking the TOS.
What do they run and how many? Seriously we can probably get some or all of the money together right here on TLS.
you’re joking, right????