Met Police Not to Extend TASER use to all Front Line Officers
It has been reported that The Metropolitan Police Authority has decided not to extend TASER use to all front line response officers in London on the grounds that they may cause fear and damage public confidence.
They have stated:
We recognise the potential to cause fear and damage public confidence if the use of Tasers is extended to non-specialist trained police officers and is perceived by the public to be indiscriminate
There is no doubt that in some circumstances Tasers are a very effective alternative to firearms or asps [metal batons] but their use must be tightly controlled and we have seen no case made out to extend their availability.
Met rejects plans for more Taser guns - Guardian
Jacqui Smith’s Taser plan suffers blow after Met Police Authority’s rejection - Times
Watchdog blocks Government’s plans to issue 10,000 Taser stun guns to police - Daily Mail
