Wyandotte City Council Approves Police Taser Purchase

City council voted unanimously Monday night to approve a request submitted by to purchase 10 Tasers.

The 10 will be ordered from Taser International Inc., along with holsters, cartridges and a four-year warranty. Total cost will be about $14,000, which will be paid using drug forfeiture funds.

Currently Wyandotte officers do not carry Tasers.

In the letter of request to city council, Grant said Tasers are an effective way for officers to stop a suspect who may try to flee, or subdue someone who is combative during arrest. Other methods, such as pepper spray, do not work as well in some cases, he said.

Wyandotte Mayor Joseph Peterson, who is a former Downriver-area police officer, said on Monday that he agreed with the department’s need for Tasers.

“Tasers are long overdue, we’re one of the last (Downriver) departments to get them,” Peterson said. “They’re a good tool.”

Officers will not carry Tasers at all times, however. Instead they will have the option to sign one out at the beginning of their shift, Grant said.

To carry a Taser, all officers will have to complete a training course, he said. One lead officer will receive training at Taser International Inc., and then provide a one-day, in-house training to all other officers on how to use the device. 

Some Wyandotte Patch readers voiced their opinions last week about Wyandotte Police officers carrying Tasers, following a.

“I just want to make sure they are trained properly, maybe even certified,” said. “This looks like only one cop will be properly trained and the others have a quick one day walk through. Not very comforting.”

“Can’t believe at this point they didn't have them,” said. “Definitely necessary to avoid injuries to officers and stop a potential issue in a relatively safe manner. Now let’s just hope the officers don't start using them when it’s not necessary, nothing worse than a cop with attitude and a Taser.”