Fed welcomes plans to increase Taser deployment
21 August 2023
West Mercia Police Federation has welcomed plans to increase the deployment of Taser across the Force area.
The decision to train more officers to use the device comes amid an increase in the number of assaults on police across the region.
Branch secretary Pete Nightingale said there was evidence to show the presence of a Taser armed officer acted as an important deterrent against violent behaviour.
Pete said: “We are delighted to see this additional investment in terms of devices and training in order to increase our Taser capability across the Force.
“West Mercia Police faces some significant challenges in terms of geographical size and the large rural areas we cover and officers often find back-up and support is some distance away.
“We know that the mere presence of Taser being carried by officers can be really impactful and reduce the violence our officers face.”
More West Mercia officers will be trained in Taser use.
Pete called on the Force to ensure officers were given sufficient time and training to become confident with Taser.
He said: “While we welcome the increase in Taser capability we also need officers to be confident in its deployment when it is used in line with training.
“Taser can be a highly effective tool to protect officers and the public especially when weapons are being used or brandished.”
Pete said the growing number of assaults on officers across the region was completely unacceptable and called on the courts to hand down the maximum sentences available to offenders.
“Only this weekend we had a young female officer head-butted while carrying out her job,” he said.
“It is vital that if we want to recruit and retain the best individuals, they feel safe and supported.
“It isn’t just about pay and conditions. We all know that policing is a dangerous profession but we cannot fall into the trap of thinking this is acceptable or should be expected.”
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