Giving members of the Special Constabulary opportunities to grow and contribute even more than they already do can only continue to be a good thing, according to a Taser-trained Special.

A year after becoming the first West Midlands Police Special to carry a Taser Special Sergeant Ryan Courtney says he has no doubt the Force’s investment in voluntary officers will be paid back in full.

Following rule changes around the powers of the Special Constabulary in 2022, Ryan qualified as Taser-trained in January last year, paving the way for other Specials to follow suit and develop their role while also gaining extra protection on duty.

His shifts on response in Stechford have benefited from his training and he believes it has been an inspired move.

<stock image>

“I think it’s a piece of kit I’ve just got used to having – it’s such a huge tool and skill to have,” said Ryan.

“That comfort blanket element is huge, knowing it’s always there if I need it, but it’s more than that too. I feel like I’ve gone up to the next level in my knowledge of policing and tactics, and that makes being a volunteer feel all the more worthwhile.

“As a Special, I don’t want to just make up the numbers and still be thanked for it because I’m voluntary – I want to make a real difference.”

While he still hasn’t actually discharged his Taser, he says he was able to aim it at a suspect to pacify a situation last December.

Violent behaviour

A man was wanted on recall to prison for violent behaviour and owning illegal weapons and Ryan was part of a police effort to reach him through his home address.

After a door knock, the man suddenly jumped from his fourth-floor balcony to try to evade the team.

“That was when, after racing back to the ground, I aimed the Taser at him. With his history of violence and clear desperation to get away from us, I wanted to negate any potential attack – and the Taser helped me do exactly that,” says Ryan.

“We were then able to make the arrest. For me, the key thing Taser has really opened up is going out on response shifts on demand. That way, the pressure is taken off regular officers, because we are more confident in taking control of matters like that one.”

Taser

Ryan has furthered his commitment to Taser use in the Special Constabulary by representing his fellow voluntary officers at silver Taser meetings, held quarterly and attended at chief inspector level.

The 33-year-old now also delivers a presentation to new Specials encouraging them to become Taser-trained.

“Being the first [Special to be trained], I’m a real advocate for it now,” he added.

“But I can’t be that advocate without the Force really buying into it, so I must give them a lot of credit – to cover both initial and refresher training, and to allow this to be so openly advertised for uptake takes a lot of commitment.”

West Midlands Police now has eight Special Constables and sergeants fully equipped to carry Taser.

READ MORE: Good luck message to Bravery Awards nominee.