Clanton Police now have a “less-than-lethal” option for dealing with aggressive subjects.

The department purchased more than 30 Tasers, one for each of the department’s officers, with approval from the City Council.

A Taser is an electroshock weapon, capable of firing dart-like electrodes or of shocking with an electrical current across the main part of the device, commonly employed by law enforcement officers.

A Taser delivers an electrical current that disrupts voluntary control of muscles, causing neuromuscular incapacitation.

Despite the severe pain caused by the weapon, police officials say it is desirable in some instances to other alternatives.

“Having them is definitely a benefit,” CPD Capt. David Clackley said. “This is the first less-lethal option our officers have had access to since Clanton Police Department has been around.

“Before, you either went hands-on with them or you shot them. If it can prevent just one deadly force scenario, the expense is justified in my mind.”

Tasers are considered ideal when, for example, an officer is threatened by an unruly subject, but the person does not have a firearm and so is not an apparent threat to the officer’s safety.

Clackley is certified as a trainer and led a six-hour training course for about 15 other CPD officers on March 20 at the department’s North Precinct.

Subsequent classes will be held so that all officers are certified to carry and use Tasers. They’ll be expected to equip them as part of their uniform, right along with the pistol and handcuffs.

In fact, Tasers are designed to fit into an officer’s belt like a handgun, with the difference that a Taser is usually holstered on the opposite side of the officer’s body.

“It’s designed to operate a lot like a gun so that it’s an easy transition,” Clackley said.

The course last week covered protocol, hands-on drills, changing out cartridges, holstering and unholstering and firing at a target.

Officers were instructed on the where to target a subject so that the effect is maximized while injury is minimized.

Various scenarios were also discussed, so that officers have an idea about when a Taser would be a viable option and when not.

Finally, a written test is administered.

After an officer is certified, re-certification is needed each year but requires a much shorter course.

CPD has adopted a Taser policy, which includes guidelines about what an officer should do once the weapon has been deployed, including contacting emergency response and filing a use of force report, according to CPD Capt. Neil Fetner.

The X2 model to be used by Clanton Police features two sets of projectiles and then the internal “drive stun,” so that an officer could theoretically deal with three aggressive subjects with the same Taser.

“Right now, we have a couple of options when dealing with a combative or aggressive subject: We can go hands-on with these subjects, or we can shoot them,” Fetner said. “With a Taser, you can better control the amount of force you use. Sometimes, the person just knows the reputation of the Taser and they’ve head the stories. You don’t want to get shot with this device because it’s not fun.”