Taser could be allowed for the public in Michigan

HOLLAND, Mich. (WZZM) -- A Taser is often the weapon of choice for police -- and soon it could be for many other Michiganders as well.

A bill to allow anyone with a gun permit to also own a Taser is moving through the state Capitol in Lansing.  This week the measure passed the Senate and now moves on to the House for approval.

State Senator Rick Jones once volunteered to have someone fire a Taser at him.  He had 1,200 volts of electricity coursing through his body -- just to prove a point to his colleagues.

"We're allowing people to use this. If they're allowed to use a gun with a bullet, why wouldn't we let them have a Taser [that's] less than lethal?" says Sen. Jones.

The bill he's sponsoring would allow anyone with a gun permit to own a Taser.

Certified gun instructor Dennis Johnson is concerned about the reliability of a Taser.

"In some situations it would not have any effect the person being tased," says Johnson.

The Taser has to be fired at a closer range -- about 15 feet -- compared to a handgun, which experts say can be effective when fired from about 21 feet away from the intended target.

The Holland Police Department uses the Taser, but officers are always prepared for the worst.

"It's usually a one-shot opprotunity, so it's about having a back-up plan, " says Holland Police Capt. Robert Buursma.

"We have some poeple in Michigan who for whatever reason refuse to own a gun but they want to own a Taser. Why not give them the option?" asks Jones.