The Coaldale Police Department will be getting new stun guns.

Council approved the purchase of the Taser nonlethal weapons during a recent meeting. The first of five annual payments will be $2,548.25, and funds will be taken from a police grant.

According to a request for the purchase from Officer in Charge Joseph Krebs, the price of the stun guns will increase substantially in 2024. He encouraged council to consider the purchase before year’s end.

“It’s going to go up a lot,” explained Councilman Jacob Adamitis “It’s worth getting them (now).”

Council unanimously approved the purchase.

In a related matter, council is considering body cameras for the police department.

Mayor Eric Ramirez previously suggested getting the equipment for officers, and asked state Constable Edward Evans to attend the recent meeting.

Evans demonstrated the body camera, which he said costs substantially less than those from another well-known manufacturer. The camera, he said, performs well and costs just over $60 each month.

“It’s worth its weight in gold,” Evans said.

Finally, council approved the police department’s November report. For the month, police collected $1,278.26 and patrolled 1,412 miles. The department handled 107 calls for service; and issued 36 parking tickets, 33 traffic citations and four non-traffic citations. Two criminal arrests were made.

A police vehicle will need four new tires within the next two months.