Quoted in East Anglian Daily Times - 20 August 2013

Suffolk: Fears raised as police reveal plans to more than double number of officers trained to use Tasers

 
A Suffolk Police report, to be discussed by bosses tomorrow, sets out plans to boost the number of Taser-trained officers from 66 to 161 a 144% increase. Photo: Press Association.

Matt Stott Tuesday, August 20, 2013
2:00 PM

Police chiefs last night dismissed fears they were endangering the public after documents revealed the force wants to more than double the number of officers trained to use Tasers.

A Suffolk Police report, to be discussed by bosses tomorrow, sets out plans to boost the number of Taser-trained officers from 66 to 161 – a 144% increase.
Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore claimed the recruitment drive sent out a strong message to lawbreakers and insisted “rigorous” training would ensure new recruits would not put the public’s safety at risk.
But critics have accused the force of undermining public protection after failing to include residents in consultations over the proposals, arguing the constabulary is “using hypothetical scenarios” to justify the plans.
But the Accountability and Performance Panel report said the move would “improve morale in terms of officer safety” and “considerably reduce response times to events that require a Taser resolution”, resulting in “greater public protection”.
Tasers are electronic stunning devices used by officers to subdue offenders in dangerous – or potentially dangerous – situations, and provide a less lethal option to the use of firearms.
Sophie Khan, a solicitor advocate specialising in Taser-related injuries at law firm McMillan Williams, said: “The police are using hypothetical scenarios to justify the argument that more officers should be trained to use Tasers in Suffolk.
“These plans have not been thought through properly. Tasers kill and injure people and the public should have been included in consultation.
“Tasers are firearms; they are classified as such under the law. They are not there for officer safety reasons and should not be used to boost officer morale or safety.
“The police are not following the law or the Taser guidance given to them if the Taser is being used as an option in non-life threatening incidences.
“They can only be used to protect the lives of members of the public or police officers in life-threatening incidences
“Suffolk is not like inner cities. Most of the incidents Suffolk Police attend will be low level violence and drunk and disorderly cases, so would not justify the use of Tasers.”
But Mr Passmore said: “We are sending out a strong message to criminals and anti-social troublemakers that you will not carry on in this way.
“I understand the public might be a bit anxious about Tasers but our officers will go through rigorous training and we must trust their professional judgement.
“I’m comfortable with the increase of Taser-trained officers. It will increase public safety and protection and will make sure the constabulary has the right resources and capabilities.”
Superintendent Jon Dodman said: “Tasers are only carried by officers who are highly trained. Before deployment is considered an assessment is made based on the situation and the threat or risk presented.
“Tasers are a very effective tool in resolving violent and threatening situations. They can be used to disarm and apprehend offenders and prevent them from hurting themselves or others.
“The constabulary adheres to strict guidance issued by the Association of Chief Police Officers in relation to its training of staff and policy surrounding the use of Tasers and firearms.”

 http://www.eadt.co.uk/news/suffolk_fears_raised_as_police_reveal_plans_to_more_than_double_number_of_officers_trained_to_use_tasers_1_2345304