Press Release Search

Search for press releases

Taser use up as more officers given authority to use them

5 August 2008

New figures show the number of Taser uses and discharges has increased as more police officers have the authority to use them.

The third quarter statistics from a 12-month trial, which extended the use of Tasers to specially trained units in the fight against crime, reveal the devices were used 159 times and discharged 26 times in the last three months. Overall Tasers have been used 411 times and discharged 57 times since the trial began in September 2007.

Specially trained units, who are not firearms officers but are police that could face violent circumstances requiring conflict management, have been taking part in a 12 month trial across ten forces.

Figures also published today include a breakdown of all Taser use across England and Wales since it was first introduced in April 2004.  Statistics revealed a total of 2,662 uses and 834 discharges.

Home Office Minister Tony McNulty said: 

"I am committed to giving the police the tools they need to get crime off our streets. Tasers are making a real difference on our streets, not only keeping the public safe but also protecting our police officers.

“Tasers have contributed to resolving incidents without injury where otherwise there would have been a real possibility of someone being seriously injured or killed. In a significant proportion of cases they have not needed to be fired; drawing or aiming the Taser has been enough of a deterrent.”

Notes to editors:

1. Taser statistics can be found at: http://scienceandresearch.homeoffice.gov.uk/hosdb/about-us/news/
2. The trial was undertaken by ten police forces including:  Avon and Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, Gwent, Lincolnshire, Merseyside, Metropolitan Police Service, Northamptonshire, Northumbria, North Wales and West Yorkshire.
   
   All of the officers involved have been fully trained in the use of Taser and will only be using Taser in strict accordance with Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) guidelines.
   
   Any extension would be dependent on a proper evaluation of Taser's benefits against any risks, and continued stringent training, guidance and administration.
3. Explanation of different terms for Taser:
   Taser ‘use’ includes any time a Taser is drawn, aimed, red-dotted, arced, drive-stunned, or discharged.
   
   Drawn:
   Officer draws Taser which a person could perceive as a 'use of force' whether or not accompanied by a verbal warning.
   
   Aimed:
   The Taser is aimed at a person but the safety is not removed (i.e. the red dot laser sight is not activated).
   
   Red dot:
   The safety is removed and the red dot laser sight is activated and placed on a subject but the Taser is not fired.
   
   Arced:
   The Taser is sparked without a cartridge being fired.
   
   Drive Stun:
   The Taser is pressed against a person and cycled — this imparts a shock without firing the probes/barbs.
   
   Discharge:
   The Taser is fired and the probes/barbs are discharged towards the subject.

back to top