St. Landry Parish Sheriff's deputies are now certified in three less-lethal options following a month-long training on use of force.
The Sheriff's Office says the additional training tools will help the deputies further resolve conflicts that might arise before a firearm is used.
“I saw a need to reallocate funds and grants to purchase additional options that are now available and issue them to my deputies for a less-than-lethal way to resolve a conflict,” said Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz.
The department was already certified in using pepper spray, batons, verbal deescalation techniques, and other defensive tactics.
The department has now issued additional Tasers used to cause motor dysfunction, the JPX OC Jet Defender that deploys OC to the suspect at a further distance and is not affected by wind, rain, etc., less-lethal shotguns that deploy bean bag rounds instead of bullets, and the BolaWrap that enables police to restrain subjects from a distance without inflicting pain by projecting a cord around their legs or arms.
“The less-lethal weapons when used responsibly by highly trained and certified deputies, can prevent and minimize deaths and injuries to suspects and themselves," said Director of Training and Professional Development Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodeaux.
The sheriff’s office says it was able to send and certify instructors in order to train their deputies and neighboring agencies at no charge.
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