For the first-time ever, Biddeford police hit the streets Monday carrying Tasers, the electronic disabling device that has grown increasingly popular in Maine police departments.

The city used $40,000 in federal grants and seized money from drug cases to buy 41 of the devices so each officer could have one, said Chief Roger Beaupre.

The department has had the weapon for about a month and a half but just completed the eight-hour training Monday.

Beaupre said he wanted to wait before purchasing the Tasers to make sure they did not lead to liability or other problems for the departments using them.

“Mace – OC spray – doesn’t work on everyone,” Beaupre said. “The mere fact you are threatening to use (the Taser) before you use it in a lot of cases ensures compliance by the person.”