Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Wheatland police describe Taser 10 upgrade, VR training and conduct volunteer demonstration
Summary
Police staff reviewed a recent purchase of the Taser 10 platform, a 10-year contract with staged upgrades, and virtual-reality and simunition training; a volunteer officer experienced a short demonstration of the device during the meeting.
Police leadership described a recent technology and training upgrade for the department, explaining the reasons for the purchase and what it will change about training and deployments.
An officer or chief explained that the department moved from the older Taser X26 platform to the Taser 10 series. The presenter said the new units use a magazine that holds multiple cartridges and allow a single probe deployment per trigger pull, giving officers a backup shot and a longer effective range (up to about 45 feet, compared with roughly 25 feet on older units). The presenter characterized the device’s electrical output as very high voltage but very low amperage, saying "it's very high voltage. So it's 50,000 volts. The amperage is really low. It's 0.001 amps," and described training and safety steps the department follows.
The procurement includes virtual-reality training and simunition suits for scenario-based instruction; staff said the contract provides technology upgrades at 2.5, 5, 7 and 10 years. Presenters emphasized that officers complete online coursework and live exposure/training before carrying the platform. A short volunteer demonstration was performed in the meeting room: the officer was deployed against in a controlled demonstration, the deployment lasted the standard five seconds, and staff reported immediate recovery afterward.
Council members and staff said the upgrades improve training options and officer preparedness. No formal vote was required for the demonstration; presenters said procurement and training were handled under the department’s existing contract and training protocols.
