From press and staff reports
The Attala County Sheriff’s Office is stepping into a new era of less lethal technology as it begins rolling out Axon Taser 10 devices and a modern training program that includes online coursework and virtual reality simulations.
Chief Deputy Kelly Mitchell said the move away from other models is driven largely by safety, reliability and service life concerns.
“These other models are only good for about five years, and we had to replace depleted units,” Mitchell said, noting that the department wanted something more capable. The Taser 10 offers a longer effective range than legacy devices and deploys individual probes instead of a fixed two probe burst, giving deputies more control over where and how they engage a threatening subject.
Sheriff Curtis Pope credited the Attala County Board of Supervisors and his staff in moving forward with this technology.
“Our goal is simple: protect our deputies and our community while reducing the chance we ever have to use deadly force,” Sheriff Pope said.
“Our goal is always to resolve situations with the least amount of force possible,” Pope added. “These tools help our deputies de-escalate encounters and avoid physical confrontations whenever they can.”
“We are grateful for the support of the Attala County Board of Supervisors in upgrading to these tools,” added Sheriff Pope.
The Axon Taser 10 can fire up to 10 individually aimed probes from a magazine, nearly doubling the range of previous models and allowing deputies to correct a miss or address more than one threat without stopping to reload.
Mitchell explained. “Now we’ve got 10 shots. If we don’t get the pain compliance or neuromuscular lock up we’re looking for, we have more options before things escalate.”
Any two probes that make contact can complete the circuit, and the device automatically selects up to four connections to optimize neuromuscular incapacitation, helping stop a combative suspect. The Taser 10 also features a bright pulsing light, audible warning tone and daylight visible green laser, giving deputies a way to warn and de escalate before they ever pull the trigger
Data and accountability are built into the platform. The rechargeable battery and smart holster system record when the weapon is drawn, armed and fired, and usage logs are automatically uploaded through Axon’s Evidence.com system.
“If there’s ever a question or complaint, we can go back and see exactly when it was drawn, how long it was activated and what happened,” Mitchell said. “That protects our deputies and the public.”
Before a deputy carries a Taser 10 on duty, Attala County now requires roughly 10 hours of training that blends online coursework, virtual reality and live fire exercises. The online module covers policy, medical considerations and decision making, followed by a written test for certification. As well the holster is designed to be worn on the opposite side of a live firearm.
Mitchell said Axon’s VR headset adds a realistic, repeatable way to practice without using live cartridges. Mitchell noted during a recent demonstration.
“It trains them in distance, in clothing—like a jacket like this—and in shooting moving targets. They’re just thinking a lot better.” In the VR system, deputies see full body avatars that may be walking, running, advancing or even kneeling, and they must place their shots while avoiding sensitive areas unless they face a life or death threat. “We’re training them not to shoot the sensitive areas unless there’s no other choice,” Mitchell said. “By the time we put a Taser in a deputy’s hand, they’ve had classroom, VR scenarios and enough live fire to be comfortable.”
Pope and Mitchell emphasize that Tasers are designed as less lethal tools that sit between verbal commands and the use of deadly force.
Studies of field deployments have shown that conducted energy weapons are generally safer for both officers and subjects than options like batons or empty hand physical struggles, which can cause serious injuries on both sides.
“They’re far safer than a physical confrontation,” Mitchell said. “We don’t want to use force at all, but if we have to, this gives us a way to end a situation without somebody getting seriously hurt.”
The Taser 10’s integration with Axon’s software also helps the office manage inventory, update firmware automatically and track training cartridges separately from duty cartridges, reducing costs and keeping equipment up to date.
“We’re not buying batteries and throwing them away, and Axon provides the training cartridges as part of our five year agreement,” Mitchell said. “That lets us focus our budget on serving Attala County, not on replacing parts.”
During a recent visit, Mitchell invited observers to fire practice rounds using a training Taser that mirrors the weight and feel of the real device but uses hook and loop targets instead of live probes.
Sheriff Pope emphasized the importance of less-lethal options in modern law enforcement.
"We don't want to use these devices, but when the situation calls for it, we want our deputies to have the best training and equipment available," Pope said. "Studies show Tasers are far safer than physical confrontations or other options."
