State troopers may soon be carrying stun guns – but not before the public has a chance to weigh in on the subject.

The Kansas Highway Patrol is asking for the public’s opinion about whether it should buy new “Electro-Muscular Disruption Technology” devices, such as tasers. The agency has posted a public survey online at www.kansashighwaypatrol.org, and responses from the survey will be considered as the patrol evaluates whether to use the devices.

“It is important that the Patrol solicit responses from our constituents and not make a hasty decision as to whether the agency should purchase EMDT devices,” said Col. William Seck, the Highway Patrol’s superintendent.

Police agencies tout the devices as a way to help officers reduce injuries and deaths for officers, suspects and the public. But the guns have caused deaths, and the human-rights group Amnesty International warned in a 2004 report that many police agencies were using them to subdue people who didn’t pose a serious danger.