Hellertown Police Chief: Tasers Now in Service

Hellertown police officers now have another tool at their disposal in the fight against crime.

Borough Police Chief Robert Shupp announced to Hellertown Borough Council members that tasers are now in service and have been carried by members of his department since July 14.

So far, there has been no need to use them, he said.

Tasers are electroshock weapons that deliver pulses of current in order "to disrupt voluntary control of muscles," according to a Wikipedia article.

Before the officers were permitted to carry the tasers they were required to complete training in the use of them, Shupp explained to council.

"It did go well," he said of the training.

Shupp added that--except for two members of the department--all of the officers who are carrying the weapons, including himself, were tazed as part of their training.

"Hopefully they'll work out well for us," he said of the new devices. "I'm sure they will."

In a separate update, Shupp told council members that the Hellertown Police Department will focus on promoting pedestrian safety and distracted driving awareness at this year's .

Officers will be asking attendees to sign a voluntary pledge not to text and drive, as part of .

Anyone who signs the pledge will receive a red "Stop Texting" magnet to put on their car, Shupp said, adding that the hospital has donated 2,000 of the magnets to help with the effort.

"Hopefully...it will create awareness, so we're looking forward to that," he added.