Report on Taser use shows that the police are getting many thing right

National Policing Lead for Taser Commander Neil Basu said:

“The use of Taser is an emotive subject. The UK police have introduced its use into mainstream operational policing with great care, listening to and understanding the concerns people have raised and responding accordingly.

“The IPCC review of Taser complaints and incidents finds that there are many areas where we have got it right but we know we must remain focused on dealing with issues when they arise.

“This report helps to review ourselves and ensure our practices and procedures are the best they can be. All of the recommendations made by the IPCC are already underway and some have been implemented; guidance on the use of Taser has been issued recently to all forces. The College of Policing is also reviewing Taser training for officers

“Forces vary in size, demographics, and the number of officers they deploy with Tasers. Each force carries out a strategic threat and risk assessment to determine how many Tasers should be deployed in an area. Every use of Taser must be justified by the officer.”

“The IPCC rightly identify that police do not teach the use of drive stun with the cartridge off. However, it cannot be completely removed from training as there may be emergency circumstances where it is needed. It is also acknowledged that angled drive stun, which is a viable tactic, is sometimes confused by officers and other people as a drive stun. This can lead to reports being made under the title of drive stun when they should be angled drive stun. We anticipate that instances of drive stun will reduce significantly over the coming months and years.”

Further Information:

Example of when cartridge off drive stun could be used - An officer is reloading the Taser in front of a violent subject because the first deployment missed and they have a window of two seconds where their Taser is completely unloaded. If at that point the subject decided to attack the officer, the use of cartridge off drive stun would be an appropriate use of force for the officer to protect themselves.

For more information please contact:

ACPO Press Office
Association of Chief Police Officers
e: press.office@acpo.pnn.police.uk