Tasers near for Palmer Police

Palmer Police Chief told the Board of Supervisors Monday night that Tasers are closer to becoming a reality for his .

Palmer said that consultants for two , an electroshock weapon that uses electrical current to disrupt the voluntary control of muscles, were recently interviewed.

Supervisors had agreed to spend $25,000 for stun guns.

Palmer said that his Use of Force policy has been updated to include Tasers. He also said he was setting up a Taser training program for his officers.

The chief believed the cost for about a dozen of the weapons would be $25,000 with in-house training and certification. The expense will be paid for by drug forfeiture money from Northampton County.

He said annual maintenance costs and recertification could cost about $2,800.

"Taser" is an acronym for Thomas A. Swift's Electric Rifle. Developed in the 1970s, its inventor named it after a popular science fiction book, "Tom Swift and His Electric Rifle."