Houston Police Department Upgrades Stun Guns to TASER X2 Smart Weapons

A total of 2,188 TASER X2 smart weapons will be deployed to the Houston Police Department by the third and fourth quarter of this year.

The Houston Police Department tops TASER International's sales announcement. Other departments and groups on the list are Chesterfield County with 80 X2s, Riviera Beach with 90 X2s, DeKalb County with 150 TASER X26P smart weapons, Jacksonville Sheriff's Office with 80 X26Ps and the US Forest Service with 200 X26Ps.

The decision to upgrade to TASER X2 smart weapons came about after a purchasing contract between Houston City and TASER International Inc. was approved September 4. All of the city council members approved the ordinance with the exception of Council Member Martin who was absent on city business, says a document.

The purchasing contract had a maximum amount of $9,500,000 and is valid for 5 years. The initial amount allocated is $2,800,953.50.

The Houston Police Department has been known to have used TASER International Inc. products in their work. In 2007, the police department's use of TASER guns was somewhat questioned. According to Chron, Houston police officers have "shot, wounded, and killed as many people as before the widespread use of TASER guns." The report also claims that in most cases where TASER guns were used, the activities involved were rather minor such as "traffic stops, disturbance and nuisance complaints and reports of suspicious people."

In a report by Yahoo, Chief Charles A. McClelland Jr. of the Houston Police Department says that TASER products have proven to be effective and high quality. The upgrade to TASER X2 smart weapons is something he believes will lessen suspect and officer injuries during field work.

The CEO and Founder of TASER International Inc., is also pleased with the company's on-going relationship with the Houston Police Department. "We are grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve the Houston Police Department. Houston has long been a technology leader in law enforcement, and has been the largest municipal deployment of TASER technology over the past decade. Houston is now leading the way in upgrading to new TASER Smart Weapons to further enhance the effectiveness and safety of their officers," he told Yahoo.