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See other news storiesThousands of new tasers for the police
24 March 2009
Police forces in England and Wales will receive more than 6,000 new Tasers, the Home Secretary announced recently.
The roll-out across England and Wales to extend the use of Tasers to specially trained police response officers followed a successful trial in 10 forces.
HOSDB monitored the use of the Tasers in the 10 trial forces. Statistics showed that of the 661 recorded uses of Tasers, 85% involved the weapon just being drawn, aimed, arced or the subject being 'red-dotted' - showing Tasers powerful deterrent effect and its benefits in preventing any escalation in violence. Tasers were only discharged in 93 of the 661 uses.
The roll-out of Taser followed earlier reports from HOSDB and the Association of Chief Police Officers (new window). Their findings stated that Tasers provided real benefits for both public and police officer safety in incidents involving serious violence.
Jacqui Smith said, 'I am proud that we have one of the few police services around the world that do not regularly carry firearms and I want to keep it that way.
'Everyday the police put themselves in danger to protect us, the public. They deserve our support, so I want to give the police the tools they tell me they need to confront dangerous people. That is why I have given every police force the number of Tasers they have requested.
'I am pleased that police forces up and down the country have used the additional funding I made available for Tasers.'
