Dixfield PD receives Tasers

DIXFIELD – The Dixfield Police Department received two Tasers last week with a little something extra attached to one of them – a mini audio and visual camera to record actions whenever the tool is used.

Sgt. Jeffrey Howe said funds to buy the Tasers, camera and software, along with an upgrading of patrol rifles and training for the officers, came from a $4,100 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant and from federal stimulus money.

All full-time and reserve Dixfield officers will undergo the six-hour training program on the device sometime next week from a Rumford Police Department officer.

Howe said the addition of the camera will enable the department to recall and record events that take place during a high stress period. Information captured on the camera can also be used in court, he said.

The Taser with the camera will be issued to the on-duty officer, while the second Taser will be used for backup, if necessary.

eadams@sunjournal.com