Sioux Falls Police Begin to Carry Tasers

During Thursday's police media briefing at the Law Enforcement Center, Sioux Falls Police Chief Doug Barthel says his department has begun training officers on the use of Tasers last week. After each officer receives the training, he or she will carry a Taser on the duty belt.

The department researched Tasers last year and made the decision to add Tasers to compliment the other tools available to officers. Tasers give officers another less-than-lethal option when confronted with force.

"Tasers reduce the risk of injury to both officers and suspects and provide another resource for the men and women who protect and serve our city each day," said Chief Barthel.

The training period will take several months to complete.