News

Police departments in western Mass. seek stun guns

SHEFFIELD, Mass. (AP) - Two police departments in western Massachusetts are considering arming officers with stun guns, possibly before the end of the year.

The Berkshire Eagle reports that the Egremont and Sheffield police departments are waiting for approval after asking town officials to include buying the electroshock weapon in their budgets.

Sheffield and Egremont police officials said stun guns are being used by departments across the state and are a valuable defensive weapon.

Egremont's acting police chief, Jeremy Pilone, said the stun guns would replace the use of pepper spray.

He says pepper spray is ineffective because it could affect officers in close quarters.