Santa Clara County to allow Tasers in jails, but with use restrictions and accountability

SANTA CLARA COUNTY leaders have agreed to arm sheriff’s deputies in the jails with Tasers despite a year of protests from civil rights activists and community groups. 

The Board of Supervisors last week approved the purchase of 75 Axon Tasers with a 3-1-1 vote, but with certain use conditions. Deputies can only fire four Taser shots at someone — except when deadly force is authorized — and the Sheriff’s Office has to report regularly on how often the weapon is used and whether it’s been used effectively.