Polo to purchase a Taser

POLO -- The City Council agreed Monday to buy a Taser for the Polo Police Department. The stun gun will cost about $800; cartridges are $17 to $20 each, and a small camera that can be attached to the bottom of the stun gun will cost about $400. The camera will help ensure that officers are correctly using the stun gun, should a dispute arise, Alderman Jim Flemming said. "If a suspect says he was Tasered for no reason, the whole incident will be on camera and can be used in court." Police Department representatives requested a stun gun because, they said, officers often are on duty alone and it would provide a safety buffer when dealing with disorderly people. The vote was 6-1. "I asked around the community, and the overwhelming consensus was that they didn't want officers to use Tasers," said Alderman Mark Scholl, who voted against the purchase. That was the opinion of Polo resident Benjamin Koster, 28. "I don't believe this is a high-violence area," Koster said. "If an officer is not able to get cuffs on a suspect, then we need better officers." On the other hand, Alderman David Ackeberg wasn't sure one is enough. "I worry that with the equipment being passed between four or five guys, the equipment is going to get beat up," he said. "Quite honestly, one stun gun is not what (the police department) would like to see, but it's a start," Flemming said, adding that more could be ordered if the need arises. Taser cartridges fire two probes with tiny barbs on the ends that attach themselves to clothing or skin, delivering a shock that causes muscle contractions. The person hit usually falls down. The stun gun will arrive three to four weeks after it is ordered, and Sgt. Sean Knight, who is trained in the use of stun guns, will train his fellow officers. Also Monday, the council agreed to spend $17,000 for a 2008 Chevy Impala squad car, which will replace a 2004 Dodge Intrepid. Reach Tara Becker at (815) 625-3600 or (800) 798-4085, ext. 570.