The Illinois State Police is spending $1.4 million to outfit every patrol trooper and sergeant with a video-equipped Taser that would capture footage of every instance in which the high-voltage devices are used, according to the Associated Press.
The agency plans to buy about 800 Tasers and train officers on how to use them. The Illinois Tollway is purchasing another 118 for troopers to use when they patrol the northern Illinois highway system.
According to ISP spokeswoman Monique Bond, the decision to add the devices is based “solely on safety.” ISP paid $1,668 for each Taser “package,” which includes the stun gun (shaped like a handgun), a camera, a holster and servicing.
Chicago Police officers also use Tasers.