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Yet Deputy Theron Homer, a road patrol deputy hired in November, felt the effects of the Taser first hand during a June 25 training exercise on its tactical use.

"It was instant intense pain," said Homer. "It hurt really bad, and then it was over."

Homer is the latest deputy earning certification in the non-lethal weapon that's carried by most in the Lapeer County Sheriff's Department. Though it's not mandatory to be stunned, it is highly suggested, said Sgt. Andy Engster.

"You should feel the effects before you deploy it," said Engster who personally experienced the Taser's impact. "It feels like a jack-hammer inside your body that's turned on. Five seconds feels like an eternity, and you become stiff as a board. Most people are able to stand up in 10 seconds."

Officers that wear a Taser have to understand what they're using, said Engster.

"He's wearing it, so he's got to be a believer," Engster said. "Once he knows the impact, it becomes a useful tool."

The department first began experimenting with Tasers in 2003. They purchased model M-26, which is about twice the size of their currently used model X-26.

"They were too big to be practical," Engster said. "They came out with the newer model in 2005 and we bought a lot of them and passed on the bigger model to the jail. They each cost about $800; they were paid for with drug forfeiture funds."

Deputies now wear Tasers on their gun belts and they're considered one of their most important tools.

"I think it's one of the greatest things there is for law enforcement," said Lt. Gary Parks. "It saves lives. Say if a guy comes at you with a knife, what other option did you have before? With a Taser you can stop the threat and nobody dies."

Deputies are required to fill out a special form when they deploy their Tasers. Records indicate they're used mostly in domestics conflicts and in a bar brawl.

"In Metamora, Sgt. Brady saved a suicidal man's life," said Engster. "He wouldn't comply and he was cutting himself."

The stun guns are a welcome non-lethal weapon also used in both the courthouse and the jail.

"It increases the safety for our deputies," said Lt. Duane Engelhardt, who commands the jail. "We've never had to use one. If it gets to that point, the mere presence of one will usually diffuse the situation."

Susan Younger may be reached at (810) 664-0811, Ext. 8122 or susan.younger@lapeergroup.com