Police across England and Wales will be able to equip themselves with new and improved taser devices to help protect the public and themselves from dangerous criminals.
Axon’s Taser 10 model is more effective than previous devices, being able to fire at greater distances, with better handling and improved safety mechanisms to reduce the risk of injury to both members of the public and police officers.
The device can fire up to 10 single probes and the officer can determine where each individual probe is fired, unlike previous devices.
The device also provides an auditory warning, if activated by the officer before firing, alerting the public and serving as a deterrent to offenders.
The device has been subject to rigorous scrutiny, independent testing and medical assessments, with trials carried out by the College of Policing to ensure that the device is fit for purpose and can be deployed safely, accurately and with confidence.
The introduction of the Taser 10 comes after the Home Office, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), and the College of Policing worked together to assess the new model.
A joint implementation plan between NPCC and College of Policing has also been developed to ensure forces are supported with training, guidance, and operational readiness.
“Taser 10 is an invaluable tool, and it is policing’s responsibility to make sure it is used wisely and effectively,” said Chief Constable Sir Andy Marsh (CEO of the College of Policing).
“Our updated guidance was developed in consultation with experts and tested in real-world scenarios. The effective use of Taser 10 is about improving the safety of our police officers and fulfilling our duty to protect the public from harm, whilst using the minimum amount of force. It’s also about trust, as the public rightly expects police powers are used with care and accountability.”
Marsh said that the College of Policing’s new guidance and training will ensure officers are not only prepared to the highest possible standards, but also that those standards are transparent.
“This will help build public trust and confidence, ensuring that officers are held to the high professional standards the service is proud to uphold,” he said.
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