Axon’s latest taser. (Eric Crump/H-F Chronicle)
Homewood Police Chief Denise McGrath marveled at the law enforcement technology on display in the village hall parking lot on Wednesday, Aug. 14. There were advanced tasers, drones, body worn camera systems and a virtual reality taser simulation provided by Axon.
Those tools didn’t exist when McGrath started her law enforcement career three decades ago, and she wondered what currently unimagineable tools the young officers at the event would see 30 years hence.
Axon team leader Andrew Padilla explained the difference in the latest generation of taser versus the earliest models. Early tasers shot two prongs at one time, and both had to hit a person with enough space between them to create a debilitating charge in the body.
The current models fire individual prongs, can reach longer distances and can fire up to 10 shots, giving officers a better chance to subdue the person.
event in Homewood on Aug. 14. (Eric Crump/H-F Chronicle)
The virtual reality simulation demonstrated the difference in difficulty of firing at stationary or moving figures.
The event gave Homewood and area law enforcement officers and leaders an opportunity to learn about the latest tools.
McGrath said she was interested in the drone products, although she noted it is something that will require more than just an equipment purchase since drone operators have to undergo training and certification.
Drones could be used to improve security at public events, McGrath said. Law enforcement agencies have been especially focused on the challenges of protecting crowds after the shooting at the Highland Park 4th of July parade in 2022.
Homewood currently uses several Axon products, including body-worn cameras, tasers, vehicle and interview room camera systems.