MPA delays implementation of Taser expansion pilot for second time

52/07
25 October 2007

The Metropolitan Police Authority has again refused to sanction Met participation in the proposed Home Office pilot to rollout use of the Taser to non-firearms trained police officers in London.

At the full Authority meeting today (Thursday 25 October) members raised further concerns about the operational need for an expansion of Taser use and were adamant that they required further, more detailed, information before they could be satisfied of the need for the Met to participate.

Cindy Butts, deputy chair of the MPA, said:

"When the use of Tasers was first discussed by the Authority it was as a less lethal option to the use of firearms by the police and we were all agreed that it's use was of operational value and would save lives.

"Once again we have been asked to sanction the use of the Taser under very different circumstances and we are uncomfortable with the potential increase in the use of force by the police which we believe would send the wrong message to Londoners.

"We remain to be convinced that participation in the Home Office pilot scheme would be of real value and have again requested information to answer our legitimate concerns."

Notes to Editors

The Met had previously asked permission to take part in the pilot on 27 September. On that occasion members raised questions about the operational need and public perception and asked for further detailed information before they would agree to the proposal

Further media information

For further information, please contact the MPA press office 

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