Menu
06/08/2008
Home Office Reveal Rising Taser Gun Use Figures
Recent Home Office figures have revealed that Taser stun guns have been used more frequently over the past year.
The figures have revealed that Northumbria Police discharged the guns 25 times in a nine-month trial, which was more often than the nine other forces involved.
Metropolitan Police had the second largest figure with the stun guns being used 14 times, although the force had entered the pilot slightly later.
There were 35 shocks delivered in the first six months of the pilot, which began last September, and then 28 in the following three months.
Chief Superintendent Neil Mackay said officers only used them a "last resort" when they were faced with a "violent or threatening situation".
Ch Sup Mackay said: "Under such circumstances you draw the taser and explain what is going to happen, if you have time."
He said you tell the intended target that if "you don't do what you are being told" you are "going to get 50,000 volts through you".
"In most cases that's enough to stop them," he added.
The figures also revealed that the red dot sign - which is pointed at person's chest - was used 99 times without the Taser being discharged.
According to Amnesty's latest figures, more than 300 people have died after being shocked by a Taser in the US and Canada since 2001.
Last year, the UN committee against torture described the impact of the taser weapon as "provoking extreme pain," adding that in certain cases it "could also cause death".
A Home Office spokeswoman said in an interview into the UK trial, there have been "no reported serious injuries associated with the Taser".
"If, after a full evaluation of the trial, Taser is shown to be a valuable tool in increasing public and officer security, the government can envisage supporting a wider rollout of Taser," she said.
Home Office minister Tony McNulty has said that police should be equipped with the necessary tools required to carry out their duties.
"Tasers are making a real difference on our streets, not only keeping the public safe but also protecting our police officers," he said.
(DS/JM)
The figures have revealed that Northumbria Police discharged the guns 25 times in a nine-month trial, which was more often than the nine other forces involved.
Metropolitan Police had the second largest figure with the stun guns being used 14 times, although the force had entered the pilot slightly later.
There were 35 shocks delivered in the first six months of the pilot, which began last September, and then 28 in the following three months.
Chief Superintendent Neil Mackay said officers only used them a "last resort" when they were faced with a "violent or threatening situation".
Ch Sup Mackay said: "Under such circumstances you draw the taser and explain what is going to happen, if you have time."
He said you tell the intended target that if "you don't do what you are being told" you are "going to get 50,000 volts through you".
"In most cases that's enough to stop them," he added.
The figures also revealed that the red dot sign - which is pointed at person's chest - was used 99 times without the Taser being discharged.
According to Amnesty's latest figures, more than 300 people have died after being shocked by a Taser in the US and Canada since 2001.
Last year, the UN committee against torture described the impact of the taser weapon as "provoking extreme pain," adding that in certain cases it "could also cause death".
A Home Office spokeswoman said in an interview into the UK trial, there have been "no reported serious injuries associated with the Taser".
"If, after a full evaluation of the trial, Taser is shown to be a valuable tool in increasing public and officer security, the government can envisage supporting a wider rollout of Taser," she said.
Home Office minister Tony McNulty has said that police should be equipped with the necessary tools required to carry out their duties.
"Tasers are making a real difference on our streets, not only keeping the public safe but also protecting our police officers," he said.
(DS/JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 October 2014
Home Office Figures Show Drop In Met Taser Use
Use of Tasers by the Metropolitan Police Service (MSP) has fallen by almost 12% in the first six months of the year, new figures from the Home Office reveal. The figures show that between January and June 2014 officers used the Taser 992 times, down from 1124 times between July to December 2013.
Home Office Figures Show Drop In Met Taser Use
Use of Tasers by the Metropolitan Police Service (MSP) has fallen by almost 12% in the first six months of the year, new figures from the Home Office reveal. The figures show that between January and June 2014 officers used the Taser 992 times, down from 1124 times between July to December 2013.
05 May 2009
Increase In Taser Use Follows Rollout To More Officers
New figures published today show tasers were used 187 times and discharged 35 times by specially trained units in four months.
Increase In Taser Use Follows Rollout To More Officers
New figures published today show tasers were used 187 times and discharged 35 times by specially trained units in four months.
22 July 2014
IPCC Questions Taser Use
Taser use should be monitored closely and each use robustly justified to ensure the device is being used appropriately, according to an Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) report published today.
IPCC Questions Taser Use
Taser use should be monitored closely and each use robustly justified to ensure the device is being used appropriately, according to an Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) report published today.
02 February 2006
Driest January for almost a decade
England and Wales have had the driest January for almost ten years, according to the Met Office. The latest figures, published today, showed that some parts of the UK have had less than a quarter of their average rainfall so far this year. In total, England and Wales had 33.
Driest January for almost a decade
England and Wales have had the driest January for almost ten years, according to the Met Office. The latest figures, published today, showed that some parts of the UK have had less than a quarter of their average rainfall so far this year. In total, England and Wales had 33.
28 September 2010
Licence 'Revoked' For Moat Taser Company
The Taser firm which supplied the weapon used during the Raoul Moat stand-off has had its licence revoked. An inquest into Raoul Moat's death has heard that the weapon employed was not licensed for distribution under the Firearms Act.
Licence 'Revoked' For Moat Taser Company
The Taser firm which supplied the weapon used during the Raoul Moat stand-off has had its licence revoked. An inquest into Raoul Moat's death has heard that the weapon employed was not licensed for distribution under the Firearms Act.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
