Big Island police are holding meetings to brief the public on the department's newly acquired Taser electronic control devices.

The meetings include an explanation about the Taser, a demonstration of its use and time for questions and answers.

Meetings will be held today at the Kealakehe Intermediate School cafeteria; on Dec. 13, at the Na'alehu Community Center; on Dec. 14, at Kea'au Middle School in the Music Building's Choral Room; and Dec. 17 at the Waimea Community Center. Meetings have been held in Hilo. Each meeting begins at 6 p.m.

The Taser can be used when non-lethal force is necessary to subdue a suspect, police said. The device propels two stainless steel probes attached to 21 feet of copper wire that are used to release a jolt of electricity to the target.

Big Island police planned to have 225 officers undergo eight-hour training sessions on the Taser by the end of last month, and eventually plan to train and equip all uniform officers with the devices.