Warren County Sheriff’s Department has been given approval to divert some of its funds toward improving deputy safety and ending high-speed chases.

The Warren County Commission unanimously approved a transfer of $105,068 within the Sheriff’s Department 2018-19 fiscal year budget. Those funds will be used to help purchase several items, including tasers for every road deputy and stop sticks to be placed in every vehicle.

Sheriff Tommy Myers requested the purchase of 40 stop sticks, a device used by law enforcement to safely end high-speed chases by slowly deflating the vehicle’s tires after it is run over. At this time, the department has one stop stick. 

“If every one of our cars had them, we would stop some of these pursuits and they wouldn’t even get into town,” said Myers. “This is about public safety.”

Stop sticks cost $455 each, a training kit is $260, and shipping is $388 for a total of $18,848.

Myers also asked for 34 tasers, with holsters and batteries, and one extra cartridge for a total of $40,848.

“With this purchase, all our deputies would have one,” said Myers. “Some of our deputies already have them, like the deputies at the courthouse. This would be for the road deputies. We would have two extra. They do tear up.”

Myers also expressed a desire to purchase 41 hand-held radios and radio carriers for $23,642, 24 patrol print kits for $660, 275 mattress for $21,587, two anti-suicide smocks for $220, 10 seatbelt cutters for $160, 30 restraints for $2,910, three cases of orange sporks for $48, and 40 garbage cans for $892.

Given County Commission approval for the transfer of funds, the items can be purchased.