Law Enforcement Agencies have long needed an effective method to enforce the law when criminals are dangerous or noncompliant. Traditionally police have used batons, pepper spray, physical force or a firearm. Batons are often perceived as excessive use of force. Pepper spray and physical contact can compromise the safety of an officer. Firearms are dangerous for everyone involved and most often lead to death. All of these concerns have led to widespread use of tasers.

Four Deputies and The Barber County Sheriff participated in a 4 hour training program and 2 hours of field training on the TASER X26 last weekend at the Barber County Courthouse. The training and orientation were instructed by Deputy Jimmy White of the Pratt County Sheriff's Department.

"Consider this just another tool in your tool box," White told local law enforcement.

The TASER X26 comes with a price tag of about $1,000 each.

"The Barber County Commissioners were in favor of us having the units," explained Sheriff Tommy Tomson. "However, they told us we had to find the funds to purchase them ourselves."

Funds for the purchase of the TASER X26s came from successful drug busts in the county. Drugs, property and money have been recovered and later seized by the Sheriff's Office over the past few years.

The TASER X26 is not like any other weapon that the department has. Each officer will now carry a TASER X26. At first glance, this small device almost looks like a toy, but when practice fired, an intimidating 50,000 volts of electricity crackle and snap into the air. It has more stopping power than a .357 Magnum, but it is not lethal. It sends an electrical pulse of energy that overrides the central nervous system. It tells the muscles to contract, thus dropping the assailant harmlessly to the ground. They have no control.

"The TASER X26 is being used by more than 7,000 police departments," White told his class.

The TASER X26 Electronic Control Device (ECD) uses a replaceable cartridge containing compressed nitrogen to deploy two small probes that are attached to the TASER X26 by insulated conductive wires with a maximum length of 35 feet. The TASER X26 transmits electrical pulses through the wires and into the body affecting the sensory and motor functions of the peripheral nervous system. The energy can penetrate up to two cumulative inches of clothing, or one inch per probe.

"This allows law enforcement to keep a safe distance when having to use it on someone," White said.

The weapon is not to be used or taken lightly. This class showed the officers when and where to use the TASER X26, where not to and how to care for the weapon in volatile conditions.

The highly effective device can easily subdue the most unruly of subjects in multiple situations. The TASER X26 is transforming law enforcement and becoming a vital tool for patrol level law enforcement officers around the world. Several example videos showed officers easily apprehending suspects who at first were unwilling to cooperate with law enforcement, even threatening them in some circumstances.

White discussed the proper times to use the force provided by the TASER X26 and possible liabilities for deploying the weapon.

"Using your TASER improperly on a subject could result in a 'Dear Sheriff Letter'," said White referring to a Deputy's resignation for improper use of the weapon.

Deputies practiced putting their weapons together and changing out cartridges in safe and effective ways.

After the classroom time was over, White asked for volunteers from the class who would allow the TASER X26 to be used on them.

Sheriff Tomson stated that it was not a requirement that anyone in his department carrying the TASER X26 would have to take a stun from the TASER, but this didn't stop at least three Deputies from lining up to take their turns.

Some of the officers allowed White to fire the full probes into their backs.

With the assistance of two other officers, Deputy Justin Rugg took the first hit from the TASER. A laser was pointed at his back and a small pop was heard, followed by the crackling sound of the probes that were already attached to him in the blink of an eye. The assistants let Deputy Rugg down easily on to mats as the weapon fully discharged 50,000 volts for what Rugg called, "The longest five seconds of my life."