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Tasers given to courthouse officers

By Jared Felkins
The Times-Journal

Published May 28, 2009

DeKalb County deputies providing security at the courthouse Thursday got a boost in hardware in more ways than one.

Sen. Lowell Barron, D-Fyffe, presented Tasers to DeKalb County Courthouse security officers on Thursday. Barron secured the $1,900 required to purchase the Tasers that will be used by officers at the courthouse entrance.

“I am always glad to be able to help foster the needs of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department,” Barron said. “Security is of the utmost importance at the courthouse. That is why it is important that we provide the brave officers charged with courthouse security with the best equipment available, so they can continue their excellent service in protecting our citizens and officials.“

But before the Tasers were presented, DeKalb County Sheriff Jimmy Harris had a little fun in store for the officers. Sgt. Leland Chandler and Deputy Wayne Meeks were presented slingshots they believed were the Tasers.

Harris said he was thankful to Barron for providing the money to purchase the Tasers.

“Time and time again Sen. Barron has been there for this department when we need him,” Harris said. “I would like to thank him for all that he has done and continues to do for this county. Without him we would not have been able to purchase these Tasers. It means a lot to myself and to the officers who will now be better equipped to do their jobs.”

Tasers will provide the officers with another non-lethal means of apprehending or subduing a criminal or suspect.

“It is our job to ensure safety at the courthouse,” Chandler said. “This gives us the ability to stop a criminal much more safely and efficiently than if we had to fire a weapon. We have pepper spray, but some situations call for a more effective means of stopping someone. This allows us to do that without shooting a firearm, making it safer for everyone involved, including citizens or officials who are innocent bystanders. We are very thankful to Sen. Barron for making this financially possible.”

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