Fed chair welcomes approval of Taser 7

25 August 2020

Humberside Police Federation chair Pete Musgrave says the announcement that officers can now be equipped with a new model of Taser will help members protect themselves and the public more effectively.

Home Secretary Priti Patel has approved the use of the more accurate, faster and compact Taser 7 by all 43 forces in England and Wales.

And Pete says the new Tasers will be a welcome addition to officers’ equipment.

“We know that Taser is an important piece of a police officer’s kit,” Pete said. “It’s an effective way of dealing with dangerous situations. In fact, in the majority of incidents, just drawing Taser out of a holster can de-escalate a situation, and it is a less lethal option when compared to firearms.

“As a Federation, we’ve campaigned for all officers who want to carry Taser to have access to the training and the devices to be able to do so, and hopefully this announcement will allow more officers be equipped with them.

“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.”

National Federation vice-chair Ché Donald has also welcomed the news.

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.”

Taser 7 has rechargeable batteries so could lead to cost savings for forces since the previous models had disposable batteries.

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.