Marshal’s office trains staff in nonlethal weapons

Hanna, Wyo. • A Wyoming law enforcement agency has begun training its officers in how and when to use nonlethal weapons.

Staff with the Hanna Marshal’s office will still carry pistols but will keep other firearms capable of firing beanbags, pepper balls and other nonlethal munitions in their vehicles for certain circumstances.

Marshal Jeff Neimark tells the Rawlins Times that he trained with the alternative tools at the Cheyenne Police Department and then trained his deputies. Neimark says he could see officers using the nonlethal weapons when dealing with a mentally disturbed person or a suspect wearing thick winter layers that make them less susceptible to a Taser.

Neimark says he has offered to train other local law enforcement agencies in the alternative weapons.