As you will know there has been much discussion recently about officer safety, especially around the availability of Taser for our officers. Many media outlets have been pushing this important issue which can only be a good thing.

In response to our discussions with LBC radio around the use of Taser by Police Officers, the radio station has asked for assistance from the PFEW regarding a campaign they are planning which will focus on the increased number of assaults on police officers.

This links with our call for those officers who wish to carry Taser to have access to it. Earlier this week when I met with the Home Secretary I discussed this issue and again asked that the Government make new, ring-fenced money available so that chief officers can readily deploy Taser, without using already stretched budgets.

LBC are contacting chief officers and PCCs to seek their support for the campaign, ‘Time for Taser’, which they are planning to run in early September.

We have assisted with drafting questions for a public poll they are conducting, as it is several years since the public’s opinion on Taser was sought.

It also seems an appropriate time to seek the views of members. 

Take Survey

There are only four questions and it should take less than one minute to complete. Please be aware of the short timescale available, we will need to close the poll at 0900hrs on Friday 30 August 2019.