ST. PAUL, Minnesota - February 16, 2008 - The St. Paul Police Department is asking the city for permission to buy 230 additional Tasers.

Police spokesman Tom Walsh said the $210,000 purchase would allow every patrol officer in the city to have a stun gun.

"Using the Taser has allowed us to take people into custody without using deadly force, without using a degree of force that would cause a police officer to use a firearm or an additional force that would leave a person injured," explained Walsh.

"So we find them to be effective and probably safer for both the police officer and the person who's being arrested," Walsh said.

Critics are concerned that the police are preparing to use the Tasers at the Republican National Convention in September. The event, to be held in downtown St. Paul, will likely attract thousands of protesters.

But Walsh said the request has nothing to do with the convention.

He said the devices are intended to help officers in their day-to-day work.

The City Council will hold a public hearing on the matter next Wednesday.

Ed. Note: Are these going to be used on people who dare to exercise their First Amendment rights at the convention?