Menu
Thu, 28 March 2024

Newsletter sign-up

Subscribe now
The House Live All
By Baroness Fox
Home affairs
Historic wins, inspiring moments and British success: MPs share what they’re looking forward at the Paris Olympics Partner content
Communities
Veterans falling victim to plague of process  Partner content
Communities
Communities
Economy
Press releases

Public show support for officers carrying Taser - poll

Police Federation of England and Wales

2 min read Partner content

A survey, commissioned by the Police Federation of England and Wales, has revealed the public support police officers carrying Taser.


The public overwhelmingly support police officers have access to Taser, a new poll has revealed.

The survey, commissioned by the Police Federation of England and Wales, dispels the myth that it erodes community policing or the British model of policing by consent.

Some 71% of respondents consider it acceptable for police officers to carry Taser when on patrol.

Four out of five surveyed said it would make no difference to their decision, or they would be more likely, to approach an officer for assistance if they were carrying a Taser.

Additionally 89% said forces should be allowed to train and equip officers if the use of Taser is automatically recorded by Body Worn Video.

The Government has previously stated it is committed to providing the police with the necessary tools to protect individuals and the communities in which they live.

Home Office statistics suggest that an officer is assaulted every 22 minutes in England and Wales but other evidence sources indicate that the actual number is much greater.

Steve White, Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, has written to all chief constables and commissioners across England and Wales outlining the survey results and asking them to support a wider rollout of Taser and call for increased government funding to assist with this.

He said: “We know officers support the use of Taser and Body Worn Video, and now we have the evidence that shows the public do as well.”

“Any equipment that helps improve the safety of not just police officers doing their duty, but also the public, is an absolute must. You cannot put a price on safety. The current model is obsolete with spare parts difficult to come by, while the X2 is even safer and more effective.

“The public clearly have their eyes wide open to the very real threats that exist. Attitudes are changing and people recognise the benefits Taser can offer.”

PoliticsHome Newsletters

Get the inside track on what MPs and Peers are talking about. Sign up to The House's morning email for the latest insight and reaction from Parliamentarians, policy-makers and organisations.

Categories

Home affairs