LAUREL, Miss. ( WHLT ) – The Laurel Police Department renewed a contract with Axon to receive updated body cameras and tasers.

Leaders with the police department said the new tasers will help officers better reach their intended target.

“So my understanding with the Taser Ten is you have to fire it twice. You fired the first one and then you fire the second one. So, it’s going to give you a little bit more control over where it goes,” said Laurel Police Chief Tommy Cox.

The bright yellow tasers will be displayed on an officer’s belt or vest. Cox said displaying the tasers in clear view.

“Everybody sees it. You can’t quantify the number of people who haven’t fought with us or haven’t run from us or that kind of thing, because they see that,” the police chief said.

The body cameras have proven to be especially important when it comes to protecting officers and helping make convictions.

“I don’t know how any place goes without body cameras. We use it to investigate officer complaints, use of force. We look at all our use of forces and of course, as evidence for prosecution of crimes,” said Cox.

The new equipment is expected to arrive in October 2024.

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