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KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- Ever since tasers were introduced to police departments across the nation, many have argued officers misuse them.

But, as students in the Kirksville Citizens’ Police Academy learned this week, officers have strict rules they must follow.

The Kirksville Police Department uses the Taser X26 model manufactured by Taser International.

And, as Kirksville Police Officer Bill Puryear explains, this model is only issued to law enforcement.

“The Kirksville Police Department has used that model since 2004. It’s a small hand held unit that deploys 50,000 volts of electricity to overcome somebody’s muscular system,” Puryear said.

Even though it may look like an average taser, it does have a kick to it. And, before an officer is issued a taser, they are required to go through proper training.

"To carry a taser there is an 8 hour training course for the officers in the use of the taser, safety considerations and tactical considerations for the tasers and, during that course officers are encouraged to be tased so they know what it feels like,” said Puryear.

 And if you were wondering yes, Puryear has been tased and more than once.

When it comes to an officer tasing a suspect, there are certain limitations.

"Officers aren't allowed to use a taser outside absent circumstances if an individual is reasonably known to be under the age of 13, over the age of 65, obviously pregnant,” said Puryear. “Those outside circumstances could include that suspect having a weapon and threatening to harm themselves or somebody else."

 So when it comes down to it- when do officers know when to use their tasers or their gun?

"Officer's are taught that a taser is not a substitute for what we call a lethal force,” Puryear said. “If a suspect has a weapon that could seriously injure or kill an officer or another person with a knife, a gun or anything in that nature, the officer’s side arm should be used not the taser."

And, for those who think police officers use excessive force while trying to diffuse a situation, Puryear says they have guidelines they are trained to follow.

"There's been years of hard lessons for officers who didn't go home to their families from not using a proper amount of force so when an officer has to use force, they are taught to use an aggressive amount of force to overcome the resistance, but that is appropriate for the resistance they are facing." Puryear said.

The students in the Kirksville Citizens’ Police Academy also learned about the department crisis negotiations team, you can read the full article by clicking here.