The New York State Police say they are implementing use of Tasers, a tool that they say is less lethal than firearms which troopers will have available when confronting violent individuals.

Troopers recently completed training in the use of Taser ECDs (Electronic Control Devices), and are beginning a pilot program with some troopers carrying ECDs during each shift.

They are carrying 142 Taser model X-26 ECD units donated to the state police last July by the New York State Trooper Foundation. Under the pilot program a few troopers in each patrol area throughout the state will patrol with a unit and will be available to assist other troopers in their area in the event of a violent or escalating confrontation.

The announcement on the Tasers from state police says that after years of testing and scrutiny, many medical experts and independent government reports have concluded that these systems are safer use-of-force alternatives to subdue violent people who could harm law enforcement officers, innocent citizens or themselves.

Traditional less-lethal law enforcement tools rely on pain compliance. Some individuals can overcome pain or may not respond to these other tools due to drug or alcohol use or emotional distress.

Taser systems do not rely upon pain compliance, the state police say, but instead provide neuromuscular incapacitation through an electric shock that immediately stops any coordinated movement by the subject. Recovery is quick, police say, and the Taser system provides a window of opportunity to stop or apprehend a potentially dangerous individual.

The state police announcement of the deployment of Tasers says that law enforcement agencies using them have seen dramatic decreases in suspect and officer injuries, and that the state police hope to reduce injuries to troopers and the violent subjects they encounter.