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Constables learn Taser tactics 
TASED: Deputy Constable DeWayne Philpott demonstrates how to properly use a Taser on Chief Deputy Mark Birchard, who donned a large black protective suit and face mask at the American Legion Hall in Murphy Park. The demonstration was part of a daylong training program for officers in Pct. 4 Constable?s Office.
Photo by PHILIP JANKOWSKI
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By PHIL JANKOWSKI Pct. 4 Constables practiced using Taser guns Wednesday in the American Legion at Murphy Park to learn how to properly employ the jolting device. The training session, led by Chief Deputy Mark Birchard, included videos of actual instances where the device was used. Birchard said Tasers are especially useful because they are a faster and better way to deal with threatening individuals. Physical confrontation can be risky for both the officers and the individual. With the Taser, the pain ends as soon as the electrical current is cut off, Birchard said. Rarely does an officer need to employ an additional or extended charge. Sometimes the individual will surrender to an officer who just marks them with the laser scope on the front of the Taser, Birchard said. Some of the more sophisticated features of the Tasers are on the bottom of the weapon’s handle, where two cameras — one full color and one infrared — are housed in addition to a microphone. Birchard also demonstrated how the infrared camera can record video in complete darkness. Officers tested their aim and tactics against life-size cut outs of heart throb Fabio and comedy spy Austin Powers. An officer would approach the cut outs acting out a scenario where Austin Powers was an uncooperative individual armed with a knife. The officers would order the cut out to drop its weapon several times and then fire, while stepping to the side. The cut outs were hit with two metal hook-like contacts attached to wires leading to the Taser gun. Every time the cartridge containing the hook is fired it shoots out confetti-like pieces of paper with the serial number of the corresponding cartridge so in the aftermath of an incident investigators can accurately determine who fired. Officers also practiced on a human target encased in a thick, black safety suit. In those cases, practice cartridges were used to avoid injury. Taylor Police Department does not currently have Tasers at their disposal, Birchard said.
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