PRAIRIE GROVE -- Prairie Grove Police Department recently added a new tool to its chest that will be available when addressing certain situations.
The department purchased four JPX Centurian pepper spray guns for $700 each. The gun, which came out in 2014, delivers a harder, projective spray up to 20 feet away.
Prairie Grove police already have tasers but the pepper spray guns will give officers another option, said Chief Chris Workman.
The gun hits on target and burns twice as hot, as compared to other types of pepper spray guns, Workman said, adding that Springdale and Texarkana police departments have been using the JPX Centurian guns and report the guns have been very effective.
All Prairie Grove police officers have been trained to use the new guns and have felt a little bit of the effects of the spray.
Officer Travis Stills said he would not want to be shot by the pepper spray gun.
"It's a constant burn," Stills said.
Workman said he likes the new projectile spray because there's less of a chance of contaminating others with the chemical.
"The only one getting shot will be the one to get it, not others," Workman said.
General News on 03/01/2017