FORT WORTH - The Fort Worth Police Department is actively training its officers on a new Taser, they announced Thursday.
The department has purchased 250 X2 ECD’s, which includes an automatic shutoff system that cuts the electrical charge after five seconds.
"This allows the officer to work through a modified decision-making process in order to re-evaluate the situation," said officer Cliff Miller with the Fort Worth police. "In most cases, compliance is gained after one deployment."
Right now, more than 200 patrol officers have been trained and certified to use the new Taser. Miller said by June, 250 officers will be ready to use the new weapon.
The department’s use of Tasers have brought about controversy in the past.
Fort Worth police paid $2 million to the family of Michael Jacobson. The 24-year-old died after an officer Tasered him repeatedly back in April of 2009, the first time for 49 seconds, and then five seconds.
The incident brought about calls for changes and charges against the officer involved. A grand jury never indicted the police officer.
Fort Worth’s police chief vowed to make sure every officer is trained on using Tasers properly.
E-mail mmoore@wfaa.com
