So, all frontline officers are to be issued with a Taser. Well, maybe not Metpol officers, but at the moment, all us county mounties.
Amnesty International are appalled at the prospect. Their spokesperson, Mr Sprague said Amnesty was especially concerned about the welfare of vulnerable people who had "emotional" problems or were under the influence of drugs. No mention of the police and public that might be protected by their deployment, oh no.
I don't know about other forces, but in mine, the deployment of Taser has to be authorised by the Ops Room Inspector. To those not in the job, that means, an officer cannot take it out of their holster, without prior authorisation (except in spontaneous life or death incidents). Even if Taser deployment is authorised, any officer using it, has got to be able to justify it's use. No doubt, there'll be another 6 page form in triplicate to be completed.
At the moment, we often either have to put our own or the publics lives in jeopardy when a 'knife' incident occurs, as we are instructed to wait for Armed Response Officers to attend with Taser. That usually means a delay of 20-30 minutes. Is that acceptable?
I've seen the effect of it's deployment. 99% of people sh*t themselves, when they see those little red dots on their chest. If anyone is stupid enough to continue, then they deserve what they get.
I've no idea what the training will encompass. However, you can be rest assured that it will be thorough and effective.
I hope that Taser will not be used for your everyday angry drunk, but just used where offenders have weapons or are so dangerous, that they cannot be restrained by ordinary means. No doubt time will tell.
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Michael Fuller, Chief Constable of Kent pretty much said at the Federation meeting on Tuesday that he was not in favour of response officers having Taser. He feels they should stay with the ARV units and he will not be looking to issue them to front line officers.
This could well be the view of many Chief Constables, so don't get too excited about receiving your Taser just yet.
I am sure that to start with the use of tasers will be carefully controlled but eventually, as has happened in the USA, they will be routinely used for "pain compliance".
Doubtless you are a thoughtful exception but I know ( and have smoked cannabis with!) a few police officers who will not be able to wait to be able to play with their new toy at every opportunity.
My safeguard? Every time an officer deploys his taser, he has to be tasered himself at a later date. That will make sure they are only used in a genuine emergency.
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