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Aviation Authority OKs Taser Purchases For TIA

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By TED JACKOVICS

tjackovics@tampatrib.com

Published: November 7, 2008

TAMPA - Tampa International Airport police who want to carry Tasers will be equipped and trained with the weapons in the next week or two, a move that police say can reduce reliance on handguns and other force methods such as pepper spray and batons.

The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority on Thursday approved the purchase of 46 Tasers and accessories for $56,300 from DGG Taser Inc. of Jacksonville, adding to 25 on hand.

The airport police are given the option to carry and use Tasers, but must undergo training, including being stunned by the weapon that uses electroshock technology to incapacitate muscle response.

"A Taser will stop you," said airport police chief Paul Sireci, who has undergone the training. "It sends a pulse through your muscles."

The airport has 66 officers and responds to up to 50,000 police calls annually. In 2005, airport police in a parking garage shot and wounded a man they say shot and killed an ex-girlfriend.

Reporter Ted Jackovics can be reached at (813) 259-7817.

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