DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — Dubuque County is moving ahead with the purchase of 60 stun guns with a goal of reducing injuries to deputies and suspects.
The Telegraph Herald reports the Dubuque County Board of Supervisors on Monday unanimously approved the purchase of the stun guns.
Sheriff Don Vrotsos says the nearly $140,000 cost would be paid with criminal forfeiture funds.
Stun guns used compressed air to shoot electrified darts at suspect, which usually makes them immobile and easier to arrest.
Vrotsos says the stun guns will be used primarily by patrol deputies and officers in the jail.
Dean Schade, of the Iowa Municipalities Workers’ Compensation Association, says the Dubuque County department is the largest in Iowa that until now hasn’t been equipped with stun guns.