Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded $4,755 in grants to improve public safety and protect residents in Andalusia.

The two grants will enable the police department to purchase several new stun guns which temporarily incapacitate fleeing or dangerous persons, allowing officers to safely restrain them.

Police officials said the equipment is part of the department’s plans to incorporate the stun gun methodology into the police force. Officers will undergo specific training and departmental policy will be written to include when and how to use them.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Justice Department.