NJ Attorney General Sets Aside $1M To Help Police Departments Purchase Stun Guns
By David Madden
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- New Jersey's attorney general is setting aside $1 million to help police departments across the state purchase stun guns for officers.
There are more than 400 such weapons in the hands of law enforcement statewide. Why so few? They cost on average $2,500 each.
The money could help reduce that cost and give more cops options.
Elie Honig, Director of the Division of Criminal Justice, says "They allow police officers in certain situations to address those situations with less than lethal force and to protect themselves as police officers, to protect the public in a way that doesn't harm a suspect."
Departments would have to apply through their county prosecutor for any grant money by the end of the year.
The money would also help to replace one of three models of stun guns no longer certified for use in the state.
Additional trainers will also be available to ensure all officers know how stun guns are supposed to be used on the street.