Shropshire Star

Arming officers with tasers 'a mistake', says Mid Wales police boss

Arming all frontline police officers with tasers would be a "mistake" and counter traditions of British policing, a police chief has warned.

Published

Christopher Salmon, Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner, said he is not in favour of proposals by the Police Federation to offer all frontline officers the Tasers in light of the increased terrorism risk.

Mr Salmon said: "Routine arming with Tasers would be a mistake and counter to the traditions of British policing.

"Strong community relationships, not weapons, are the key to fighting terrorism – just as they are to fighting crime."

His views were echoed by Barrie Sheldon, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia Police.

He said: "I haven't discussed the matter with our PCC Bill Longmore yet, but my view is that we live in a safe place here in West Mercia as it is.

Preparing

"I think officers are given the equipment and training necessary here to deal with incidents in a safe and professional manner."

Steve White, head of the Police Federation, said the devices would help protect officers against "dangerous people" who could be preparing an attack.

"We've got to show our officers that we're taking the threat seriously," he said.

"We've got to make sure that we give them every opportunity to respond to the threat. Because it's not just their personal safety, it's the safety of the public as well."

Commander Neil Basu, the Association of Chief Police Officers policing lead for Tasers, said he would support a conditional roll out.

He said: "While I would support an extended roll out, this must be informed by appropriate assessments of existing threat and risk, the high standards of training must not be diluted and they should only be carried by those who volunteer to do so. Taser is one of many tools and tactics available to help manage threat and risk which is continually assessed.

"The variety of force demographics and the threats faced don't always make it the first or most viable solution. It is for each chief constable to decide the appropriate number of Taser trained officers in their force."

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