The purchase of two very different types of electronic equipment were discussed when the Barton County Commission met Monday.
The commissioners learned that county diversion funds have been used to facilitate the purchase of tasers for the Hoisington Police Department.
Commissioners met with County Attorney Doug Matthews and Hoisington Police Chief Kenton Doze about the purchase of the non-lethal equipment for the Hoisington police.
Matthews said this is just one example of his department working to help county police agencies. “I’d like to think the relationship between the police departments and our office is a good one,” the county attorney said.
He told the commissioners that Doze came to his department with the request for help with the equipment.
In the past, Matthews explained, an officer either had the choice of using a firearm, or attempting to stop a perpetrator with a nightstick, which meant there had to be close contact. In either case, the possibility of someone getting hurt was much greater than it is with the use of a taser by a properly trained law enforcement officer.
And Matthews said he made sure the Hoisington Police Department underwent the appropriate training for the use of this equipment.
Matthews explained to the commissioners that the funding for this purchase came from fees charged to individuals who have been placed on diversion for a variety of local non-violent offenses. The money can, under state regulations, be used for a variety of law enforcement projects.
In an unrelated issue, Monday, the commissioners approved the purchase of a rebuilt emergency defibrillator for the second floor of the courthouse.
County Communications Director Doug Hubbard explained, while the Great Bend Fire Department has a good reaction time to the courthouse, there could still be times when even the few minutes that it would take to get EMTs there could make a difference, and several county employees are already trained in the use of the equipment.
Commissioners approved the $1,040 cost and it’s expected the emergency equipment will be in place in a couple of weeks. Hubbard added the wall cabinet that will house the defibrillator has an alarm on it, so it will be apparent if someone takes it out to use it.