Dunkirk police to get new Tasers

Dunkirk Police Department will be getting new Tasers that should be safer both for the officers and those on whom the devices are used.

Dunkirk Board of Works and Public Safety on Thursday approved purchasing six new Tasers for the police department.

The new Tasers will be yellow, clearly differentiating them from the guns police also carry. They will also have a 5-second limit to prevent overuse, and a two-shot capacity to allow police to discharge the weapon twice if needed.

The city had two options: to pay the entire cost upfront or to join a five-year payment plan with no interest.

“When he sent me that quote, I about fell out of my chair … It seems like a lot, but with the advancements and the things I’ve talked about, it’s a lot better, less lethal weapon. They’ve come a long way,” said police chief Dane Mumbower. “And really no matter which way you go, buying outright or the five-year plan, the benefits clearly outweigh the cost as far as officers getting hurt, arrestees getting hurt, it just depends on how you want to look at it.”

Board members Lisa Street, Dan Watson and Dunkirk Mayor Jack Robbins elected for the five-year plan from Axon International, which requires a first-year payment of $2,634 and four subsequent payments of $2,178. There was no option to trade in the department’s old Tasers, Mumbower noted.

The board also heard that a water leak on Broad Street earlier in the day was resolved quickly. A 4-inch water main just off the edge of the road had cracked.

In other business, the board:

•Approved rebuilding a pump in the water department for $13,112 by Peerless Midwest, Inc. The pump is currently running at about 50% efficiency.

•OK’d the purchase of two cameras to place on the outside of the police department building for $700 from Secret Security Systems of Portland.

•Discussed options for recent issues with semi truck drivers going off of truck routes and into residential areas. Robbins said he had discussed the matter with management at Ardagh Group and they are open to working with the city on a solution.

•Heard a pitch from ONI Risk Partners to represent the city for its property liability insurance. Robbins asked the representative to provide more information about the company before he brings a proposal to Dunkirk City Council.