Fed chair welcomes approval of Taser 7

25 August 2020

Hertfordshire Police Federation chair Geoff Bardell says the new Taser will be a welcome addition to police officers’ equipment after their use was approved by the Home Secretary.

Priti Patel announced yesterday that the more accurate, faster and compact Taser 7 will be available to all 43 forces in England and Wales.

The announcement was welcomed by Geoff, who said the new Tasers will help members protect themselves and the public more effectively.

“As a Federation, we’ve long campaigned for all officers who want to carry Taser to be trained in their use and equipped with the devices,” he said.

“We hope this announcement will allow more officers to be equipped with them. Taser is an important piece of a police officer’s kit and an effective way of dealing with dangerous situations.

“In the majority of incidents, just drawing them out of a holster can de-escalate a situation and it’s a less lethal option when compared to other firearms.

“The fact that members will have access to the new, more effective devices is to be welcomed and will help them protect themselves and their communities more effectively.”

Taser 7 also has rechargeable batteries so could lead to cost-savings for forces since the previous devices have disposable batteries.

National Federation vice-chair Ché Donald has welcomed approval of the new model.

He said: “Policing is tough and more of my colleagues are being assaulted so it’s essential they are given the best training, the best equipment and the support they need to do their job.

“Having access to Taser with the option to carry one if they wish to do so and pass the required training is part of that.”

In September last year, the Government announced £10 million in ring-fenced funding to significantly increase the number of officers carrying Taser.

Chief constables will decide how many officers can carry the new devices based on strategic assessments of threats and risks in their force areas.

Officers who want to use the new device will receive updated training and guidance, while forces will need to complete an extra record every time a Taser 7 is used to monitor the effects and performance of the device.