MPA support for stun gun as less lethal option

25/03
4 April 2003

The Metropolitan Police Authority today gave its backing to the introduction of the Taser electronic stun gun as a less lethal option for Metropolitan Police firearms officers following a live demonstration of its use.

MPA Chair, Toby Harris, said:

“The development of less lethal options has always been a priority for us and the Met in order to reduce the number of incidents when police are obliged to use lethal force.

“Shooting someone should always be a last resort, once all other options have been explored. The result of giving officers an effective alternative that can disarm and disorientate a suspect will be to have fewer armed incidents that end tragically in someone’s death.

“Of course, a balance must be struck between ensuring the safety of innocent bystanders and police officers at an incident, while at the same time maintaining the rights of an armed or potentially dangerous individual.

“Using less lethal means to restrain a suspect is also in line with the legal and moral obligations on police to restrain violent or armed individuals using only that force which is reasonable, necessary and proportionate.”

Notes to editors

1. Tasers are devices designed to use the effects of electricity to incapacitate individuals. There are a variety of such weapons available but the principles of their operation remain the same. They are battery powered and use a low current, high voltage impulse shock to provide incapacitation.

2. The Home Office supports a police trial of the Taser. The Metropolitan Police Service is one of five police forces (North Wales, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Thames Valley being the others) taking part in a 12 month trial commencing on 21 April 2003, which will be the subject of independent evaluation by Price Waterhouse Cooper.

3. The MPS already employs a wide range of less lethal tactical options. These include negotiation, physical restraint through approved self-defence techniques, use of equipment such as handcuffs, batons and CS spray and, where necessary, officers deployed with public order equipment or specialist officers with baton guns. The choice of an option, or options, is made following a risk assessment of the circumstances at a particular incident. Any additional less lethal option should be seen in this context.

4. The full details are available on the MPA website

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