Police Department Purchases Tasers

Chico police officers are learning how to use a new weapon.

The department has purchased two Taser "stun guns," which it hopes will help cut down on physical confrontations between officers and suspects, Police Chief Bruce Hagerty announced.

The yellow pistol-shaped devices stun victims with a low-amperage, 50,000-volt charge that temporarily disrupts the body's central nervous system.

Police say they are capable of bringing a suspect instantly under control.