Taser use at detention center approved

County commissioners approved the use of a Taser at the Quay County Detention Center.

A Taser is a tool which can be used to keep down confrontations and ensure the safety of the guards, said T.J. Rich, QCDC administrator.

Rich said the use of a Taser is safer as far as all parties are concerned. He said in the past when the use of gas or mace had to be used, the substance would get in to the ventilation systems, affecting other inmates and guards.

"We have to consider the other intimates, and the effectiveness of our guards," Rich said.

Rich said if the spray is affecting the guards it might distract them while on duty leading to an incident. He said when spray and gas is used the entire population of inmates in the detention pod must be moved as it is aired out and cleaned of the residue.

Rich said another problem is the inmates are becoming smarter. He said they would wrap their heads in wet towels or clothing slowing the effectiveness of spray and gas.

Rich said the Taser is a deterrent, which the guards could use to defuse major incidents.

"I would like to know will the guards be armed with Taser at all times while on duty," asked Brad Bryant, county commissioner.

Rich said there would only be one Taser kept in the guard tower. He said the Taser would only be used when the situation warranted.

Rich said the guards would take in to consideration the age and health risks to the inmate before deploying the weapon on them.

The Taser will be donated from the Quay County Sheriff's Office, said Richard Primrose, county manager.

We have an extra Taser, which we are happy to donate to the detention center, said Joe Schallert, Quay County Sheriff.

Schallert said he and under sheriff Larry Cooksey have trained and are certified to instruct and trainer the guards on the use of the Taser.

Cooksey said the Taser, deploys two leads emitting a pulse of 1200 volts across the body with amperage of .0021 effectively immobilizing the person in question without causing great bodily harm.

Primrose said before any guard will be able to use the Taser they will have to be trained by the certified personnel from the sheriff's office.

"It is policy that all guards who would use the Taser be certified," Primrose said.