Sheriff's Office spending $50,000 on guns and tasers

The Shawnee County Sheriff's Office plans on buying more equipment to protect its deputies.

Sheriff Herman Jones went in front of the Shawnee County Commission Monday to discuss their future purchases.

The Sheriff's Office plans on buying 125 handguns in addition to more than $22,000 dollars worth of ammunition, and $28,000 dollars worth of tasers, batteries and warranties.

The office also plans on purchasing 14 vests with ballistic carriers and accessories, along with two ballistic plates for S.W.A.T. team members.

Last week, Commissioner Kevin Cook questioned Capt. Lance Royer on the plan to buy new vehicles, citing a shortage of deputies and dispatchers.

But Sheriff Jones says the office currently has eight prospective dispatchers and have hired six new deputies since July.

"We're still staying within our budget," Sheriff Jones said, "We're not going out and buying anything. These are things to equip our agency and our people for what we have in existence."

Once the Sheriff's budget is passed, the commissioners cannot decline a purchase.