BLACK RIVER — The village Board of Trustees adopted a use-of-force policy Monday after its police department added Tasers to its arsenal.

The policy is similar to the one used by the federal police on Fort Drum. It says Tasers should be used only to control dangerous or violent subjects when deadly force is not justified or necessary and other attempts to subdue the subject are ineffective.

The officers on the jointly manned Black River and Evans Mills department also carry a police baton, collapsible batons and pepper spray in addition to service revolvers. Training and annual recertification on the weapons is required for the officers.

Prior to the start of Monday’s meeting, Mayor Leland J. Carpenter commended Officer In Charge Steven C. Wood, the village police and fire departments and all others who were involved in a Sunday incident where an armed standoff in the village resulted in the arrest of William A. Spears with no injuries to the subject or law officers.

The policy also says an officer involved in a use-of-force incident must report it immediately to the officer in charge and obtain medical attention or treatment for the person on whom the force was used.

The procedure dictates the officer must use verbal commands prior to firing the devise unless circumstances require immediate action to protect the officer or bystanders.

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