Chicago mayor says 780 new Tasers on the way for city police
Posted February 04, 2016 6:00 am
CHICAGO (AP) - Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel says the upcoming delivery of almost 800 new stun guns will ensure that every police officer will have access to a Taser, following a series of high-profile fatal shootings in the city.
Emanuel's office said late Wednesday that by June 1 all officers responding to calls will have Tasers that they will be issued at the start of their shifts.
The department will have 1,481 stun guns once the 780 new Tasers arrive.
Officers must go through training and certification.
Emanuel announced the city would increase the number of stun guns available for police on Dec. 30, after public outrage erupted anew over a video showing a white police officer shooting black teenager Laquan McDonald 16 times.
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