Police adding more Tasers to arsenal despite alleged links to deaths

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http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/419034,CST-NWS-taser08.article

June 8, 2007
BY FRANK MAIN Crime Reporter/[e-mail]

Despite a handful of deaths blamed on Tasers nationally, the Chicago Police Department will equip about 150 field training officers with the stun guns -- in addition to 200 of the devices that sergeants have been using for about five years.

Deputy Supt. Charles Williams said he can envision a day when every Chicago Police officer is equipped with a Taser.

"I think the Taser is a valuable tool," Williams said. "This allows us to use less-than-lethal force."

Then-Police Supt. Terry Hillard equipped the department's sergeants with Tasers in 2002. He is now retired and is a consultant to Taser International.