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TUCSON - Pima County Sheriff's deputies are showing off some upgraded technology. The department debuted its new taser during a demonstration Wednesday morning. Deputies say the upgrade is all part of staying on the cutting edge of technology and safety.

One of the department's recruits helped demonstrate the taser's abilities. The Taser X2 is the third generation of taser for the department. Deputies started using the devices back in 2001 to help reduce injuries to suspects and officers.

Some of the newer model's highlights include better accuracy, a more rugged and durable design, and it can also fire two shots instead of just one.

"When we do encounter someone in crisis, someone who's making bad decisions, this new technology strengthens our non-lethal capabilities in that middle category, where we have the ability to solve a situation without using deadly force," said Captain Byron Gwaltney of the Pima County Sheriff's Department.

The newer models are replacing nearly 700 older ones. The department used a trade-in credit and saved $208,000 on the big purchase. The X2s still cost $1,200 each, but drug seizure money footed the bill.