Lives could be saved and injuries reduced if the Lawrence Police Department was equipped with stun guns, Chief Ron Olin said this morning.

Olin, speaking on the third day of budget hearings before the Lawrence City Commission, said it would cost $78,000 to buy 90 Taser brand stun guns for his department.

Federal grant funds nonlethal weapon (4-24-04)

“There are many times when we’ve had standoffs with people, even armed people, where that would have been absolutely valuable,” Olin told commissioners.

He said his officers rely on pepper spray and bean-bag guns for “less-than-lethal” action during standoffs.

“I would think it would be used very infrequently.,” Olin said. “But it is a less-than-lethal technology that the law enforcement is moving towards.”

The hearings end today. The budget process will continue through August.