OFFICERS
EXPERIENCE, TRAIN TO USE TASER Exclusive
Video: Officers Experience Taser
LINCOLNTON
-- Kim Duncan's Martial Arts Studio on
Laurel Street was transformed Wednesday into a
training ground for Lincolnton Police officers in
the execution and use of the X-26 tasers.
After about a
half-hour of classroom instruction, instructor
Matt Painter held up one of 25 tasers the
department purchased a couple of months ago and
asked the dreaded question.
"Who goes
first," said Painter.
The remaining
officers who weren't certified to carry a taser
had to experience firsthand the effects of being
tased before being certified, which is Lincolnton
Police policy.
Before a single
participant was tased, Chief Dean Abernathy took
what law enforcement calls a "five second
lightning ride."
"It's a
little harder to take the second time around
because you know what to expect," said
Abernathy.
Abernathy said
the department budgeted around $30,000 for a
total of 25 tasers. The cost of the taser itself,
without the cartridges or carrying cases, are
$800 apiece.
Painter
cautioned the officers procedures need to be
followed in using the taser.
"It's not a
toy," said Painter. "It needs to be
treated like your service weapon or any piece of
department-issued equipment."
Exclusive video
on The Carolina Scoop shows officer Mark Sain
getting tased. After the training Wednesday, all
Lincolnton Police officers are now certified to
carry them.
Tasers are
considered another means of non-lethal force,
similar to pepper spray or officers using hands
to defend themselves against unruly suspects.
"What we
want everyone to know is that we're trained to
use the tasers," said Sgt. Painter.
"You have to go through a class and then get
zapped to be able to carry one."
Sgt. Kameron
Keener was one of the first officers to get
shocked on the X-26.
"Let's get
this over with," said Keener.
Several officers
already certified in using the X-26 came out to
support their comrades.
As Sgt. Johnny
Caudle got shocked, officer Spencer Summers
shouted his support.
"You're
doing good, Johnny," said Summers.
"It's almost over."
