The altoona police department provided tasers to all patrol officers in 2020

Previously, only supervisors were permitted to carry them. The department maintains a high training standard that requires officers to be trained every year on the use of these tasers. That training requires a large amount of taser cartridges and taser batteries that is a financial burden on the department. Due to budgetary constraints, the department will use JAG funds to purchase additional taser cartridges. The blair county sheriffs department is a subrecipient and needs tasers and accessories (cartridges, battery packs, holsters). The blair county sheriffs department provides security for the county courthouse and serves warrants throughout the county. The tasers will help enhance officer safety and are a less lethal tool that can be utilize during the apprehension of combative subjects. A study conducted by the police executive research forum concluded that there are fewer injuries to officers and fewer injuries to suspects when tasers were available to officers. All officers will be certified in the use of the taser and the cartridges will be used during training and in the field. Altoona city and blair county would purchase the equipment in year 1 of the award.