HOUSTON -- Houston police officers will have to wait a little while longer to learn if they will be using another weapon on the force, Local 2 reported.

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Vote On Taser Guns Delayed

Police Chief Harold Hurtt went before Houston City Council Wednesday to show his support for Taser guns.

"I truly believe that it will reduce injury to officers and citizens, reduce the number of deadly force in encounters between suspects and officers, especially on the officer's part," Hurtt said.

But the price tag, estimated to cost $4.6 million, may be a stumbling block, according to council members.

"Personally, I believe we need more police officers out on the street. Here, we're being asked to spend millions of dollars. We're having to borrow money to make this purchase," said Addie Wiseman, a Houston City Councilwoman.

"I wish we could have passed it today, but I think some people felt like they needed some more information. I've had my questions answered. I feel very comfortable with it. I'm a huge proponent of this Taser technology and I think we need to move forward with it," said Michael Berry, of the Houston City Council.

Hurtt's plan would outfit about 3,700 officers with the Taser guns, which carry 50,000 volts and can hit a target up to 21 feet away. The taser has the capability to immobilize someone completely.

"It not only affects the sensory nerves, but it also goes into the motor nerves, which is your muscles and makes all the muscles contract and makes you fall over," said Sgt. William Tweedie, with HPD SWAT.

Five hundred officers have already been trained on the device, so they would be ready to use them immediately if it's approved.

"If tasers save one life, it's worth it," Houston Mayor Bill White said. "How can you put a value on a life?"

Council members tabled the issue until they can review a study from the Department of Defense.

A vote is expected in the next two weeks.