‘Taser has made me a better officer and a better leader’

31 July 2025

Being equipped with a Taser helps Specials to ‘follow through’ on their promise of stepping up as volunteers, according to a Federation member who passed his training a year ago.

Special Sergeant Aamir Nore joined the Force in 2009, realising a lifelong ambition in the process.

Pursuing a career in teaching closed off his chances of becoming a regular officer, but he says he has no regrets about fulfilling his dream as a Special instead – especially now he believes there is growing parity between the two roles in many aspects.

“When I started, Specials being able to carry Taser was absolutely unheard of. To think in 10 to 15 years’ time, we’d have this possibility – as well as many others – would’ve been crazy,” he said.

Special Sergeant Aamir Nore.

“It shows how far the Special Constabulary has come and how, in my opinion, there is a bit of a pendulum swing happening towards Specials, in the sense we are beginning to take responsibility for situations in the same way as regulars.

“In high-intensity moments, my Taser has helped to minimise risk so I can then manage things in real time. I think that’s vital for an officer to be able to take control when circumstances are constantly changing and developing.

“It has also improved my self-discipline, because I never want to make a rash decision and resort to it just because I can now.”

An example of this thought process in action was when Aamir responded to a critical incident at the old City Hospital in Birmingham in June.

Oxygen chamber

A patient had locked himself inside an oxygen chamber, acting erratically and brandishing a lighter, with intelligence also suggesting he had both a knife and hammer.

When he continuously refused to cooperate with police, Aamir deployed a red-dot to clearly indicate he was aiming and ready to use his Taser. This eventually diffused the situation and allowed the patient to be stabilised.

“The whole idea of a Special is that they are members of the public who step up – having capabilities like Taser allows us to follow through on that,” Aamir, added.

“And I think having this mindset is what really helps to raise standards in the Force. It’s allowed me to become a better officer and a better leader.”