Saskatoon Police to ask for more than $1 million to replace aging Tasers

Saskatoon Police are hoping to get the green light to buy some brand new, bright yellow tasers to replace their old ones.

The ask is for $1,014,000 over five years, and would include a manufacturer buy-back program for the older models that would save SPS $50,000.

Called “Taser 7s,” the new models would replace the current X-26 and X-26P Conducted Energy Weapons (CEWs) used by officers.

According to a report to be presented at Thursday’s Board of Police Commissioners meeting, several issues have been identified with the current models including subject misses because of single laser sighting, probes bouncing off clothing, and ineffective CEWs when deployed at less than 10 ft.

The new Taser 7s have two cartridges, allowing them to be deployed at close or longer ranges with electrical charges are delivered at a faster rate. They’re also more noticeable, move faster and can be quickly reloaded.

Digital tracking will record which officer has which taser and cartridge.

If approved ultimately by Saskatoon City Council, $128,500 would be needed this year with another $221,500 for each of the next four years.