Taser

Police Federation spokesperson: “Taser has the potential to be a valuable addition to the equipment at an officer’s disposal. By increasing its availability to a wider number of specially trained officers, the police service and the general public will have a better understanding of its qualities and limitations”.
 
The Police Federation of England Wales:

• Has repeatedly called for the extended use of Taser. 
• Welcome the current trial that has been extended to all forces. However we would like to see more officers involved rather than the limitation set by only involving authorised firearms officers. 

 

Background information: 

 
At present Taser, the electrical impulse device, can only be deployed when an individual is in possession of a firearm, when the individual has immediate access to a firearm or the person is otherwise so dangerous that the officer’s use of a firearm may be necessary. 
 
Frontline operational officers faced with individuals on our streets offering violence with knives and other weapons would not ordinarily have the benefit of firearms officer’s assistance. They are left to use conventional open hand fighting techniques, a police baton and incapacitant sprays, all of which offer more risk to the officer and individual and due to the close quarter techniques the officers are likely to be more at risk of assault and complaints made against them. 
 
Taser has a built-in red light to enable the user to single out the individual it is to be used against. The use of this sight has resolved many situations involving the use of Taser. 
 
There is no evidence in the UK that the use of Taser has caused any long-term injury and, to our knowledge, we have no outstanding police complaints about its use. 
 
The Independent Police Complaints Commission has issued further guidance on Taser notably that Taser discharges are now only to be referred to the IPCC if the discharge has resorted in death or serious injury, caused a danger to the public or revealed failings in command.
 
Taser has the potential to be a valuable addition to the equipment at an officer’s disposal. By increasing its availability to a wider number of specially trained officers, the police service and the general public will have a better understanding of its qualities and limitations. 
 
With more data collected it will allow for a more meaningful evaluation to take place and that would enable a full assessment of the equipment to assist frontline operational officers in carrying out their duties in an ever-increasing volatile environment.

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