Keeping law enforcement officials prepared

Photo By Sgt. Gina C. Rindt | Two Human Electro-Muscular Incapacitation training instructors hold a volunteer while they’re being tased at the Beaufort Army National Guard Center, Sept. 23.  

BEAUFORT, SC, UNITED STATES

09.29.2011

Story by Sgt. Gina C. Rindt 

Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort

BEAUFORT, S.C. - The Air Station has various training requirements for all the civilian and military law enforcement personnel, which are required throughout the year.

One portion of the training needed is the Human Electro-Muscular Incapacitation training. The Taser training course was conducted to ensure the required personnel stay current on their qualifications and are properly trained with the non-lethal weapon, Sept. 23.

“The Taser training is conducted on a specific schedule to make sure all police officers receive the necessary training,” said Howard Shappee, an Air Station law enforcement instructor. “We have different classes to ensure everyone gets the proper training.”

The Tasers used aboard the Air Station are the X26 Taser, which is used as a non-lethal enforcement to help the officers get the desired effect without causing serious bodily harm.

The XP-25 is the type of cartridge used in the X26 Taser, which has the capabilities to reach up to 25 feet. The cartridge probe has a half-inch sharp metal point that penetrates the skin about a quarter of an inch and has a small hook to make sure it doesn’t
fall out.

“The Taser is one of the many tools used by military and civilian law enforcement personnel to help gain control or subdue a subject that is used [instead of] deadly force,” Shappee said.

The personnel who receive the training are sometimes new to the type of Taser being used. The classes can be helpful in getting them comfortable with handling it.

“Continuous training on something is always good and can help improve our skills while using the Taser,” said Lance Cpl. Evan Newcomer, a military policeman with the Provost Marshal’s Office.

Through all the training and classes for the X26 Taser, designated for the Marine Corps, the law enforcement personnel will continue to train and become more proficient with the weapon before it’s required to be used by all Marine Corps
military personnel.

“It is important to make sure the officers know how to use the [X26 Taser] because it still takes a certain type of marksmanship to ensure the weapon is effective,” said Benny Fontenot, a law enforcement instructor aboard the Air Station and native of Basile, La. “Having the officers go through classes and refresher training for the Taser will give them more knowledge and experience with [this] weapon.”

• Date Taken: 09.29.2011
• Date Posted: 09.29.2011 15:09
• Story ID: 77782
• Location: BEAUFORT, SC, US