Smyrna police roll out new Tasers, body cameras aimed at improving accountability

Smyrna police officers have new technology designed to give them more options in dangerous encounters while also providing a clearer record of what happens.

The department has begun using TASER 10, replacing its older TASER 7 devices. Officers spent several weeks training with the new equipment, including virtual-reality scenarios designed to simulate situations they could encounter on the street.

“TASER 10 has more rounds, it shoots further, and it can show you how many times it’s been deployed,” Smyrna police officials said.

One major change involves documentation.

Smyrna Police Lt. Meredith Holt said sensors can record when an officer removes the Taser from its holster. That action can also automatically activate the officer’s body camera and cameras inside police vehicles.

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“The sensor activates so it’s documented every time that the officer’s pulling the Taser out of the holster,” Holt said. “These features are really important for documentation purposes, for accountability, for transparency.”

The new devices also change how officers warn someone before deploying a Taser.

The older TASER 7 produced a visible and audible electrical arc. Holt said TASER 10 instead uses a warning tone combined with a flashing strobe light designed to get someone’s attention.

The department demonstrated the new equipment during training, including how the device limits the electrical cycle.

“The Taser controls how long a person is in a lockup with their muscles, and it’s five seconds,” Holt said.

The Tasers aren’t the only technology upgrade.

Smyrna police have also added 80 new body cameras and two new drones as part of the department’s push to update its equipment.

Police say the combination of new Tasers, automatically activated cameras and additional technology will provide officers with more tools while creating a stronger record of how those tools are used.