PFEW cautious after double-shot Taser finally gets green light

A “smarter and more accurate” version of Taser is set to be rolled out across the UK after the Government said it met “strategic, ethical, operational and societal” considerations. The new two-shot Conductive Energy Device (CED) which can be fired again if it misses, the first charge fails or does not subdue the target on the first attempt was approved by the Home Office. The X2, used in more than 100 countries worldwide, is the result of 20 years of science and research and is seen as the “most proven less-lethal technology ever deployed in the UK”. Its use had been expected to be officially sanctioned in September 2016 but Police Professional understands approval was delayed until a national procurement agreement could be established. The Police Federation of England and Wales chair Steve White, while welcoming the new device`s go-ahead, cautioned that current devices may not be replaced immediately. “This is very much a case of give with one hand and take with the other,” he said. “Beyond simply giving it their seal of approval, the Government needs to offer financial support to allow forces to begin using the new device; otherwise it’ll stay firmly on the shelf. You cannot put a price on safety.” Policing Minister Brandon Lewis, in announcing the X2 go-ahead, said officers would have the “tools they need to do their job effectively”. The X2 device is said by its manufactures to feature an improved laser-guided targeting system and mode that allows officers to activate a “warning arc deterrent” before deciding whether to fire. It was authorised by the Home Office after a formal request from the National Police Chiefs Council. Mr Lewis said there had been an “open and transparent procurement exercise to identify a replacement” with the decision to go-ahead with the Taser X2 following a “stringent consideration of strategic, ethical, operational and societal issue”. He added: “Tasers are an important tactical option for the police, particularly in potentially violent situations where other tactics have been considered or failed.” “We must ensure our officers have access to the best, and most up-to-date technology available. Mr Lewis said the decision to authorise the Taser X2 for use to forces in England and Wales also marks the award of a commercial contract with Taser International’s UK distributor, Axon Public Safety Limited. A new national framework agreement will shortly be in place, subject to a ten-day standstill period. The new Taser replacement, which is “smarter and more accurate” and help officers “more effective at dealing with the increased threat they face on a daily basis “, offers many extra features, according to managing director for Taser UK Matt Spencer. “Chief officers and police and crime commissioners (PCCs) are under pressure to provide robust policing against a backdrop of the public and government demanding better value for money. “The X2 offers a smart solution for chief officers and PCCs – providing them with an accountable and effective less lethal option that better protects their officers and the public. This is already evidenced by the X2 being in use throughout the world. He said: “More than 20 years of science and research has gone into Taser technology to make the X2 the most proven and most tested less-lethal technology available in the UK. “This announcement demonstrates the important contribution our technology is making to help the police keep the public safe. “With the X2’s improved internal accounting logs and ability to work hand-in-hand with body-worn video it can deliver extra layers of accountability that the public and the police rightly expect and deserve. “We’re proud of how we have adapted and improved our technology to meet the needs of the police and those who hold them to account on behalf of the public.” He added: “The fully digital X2 is a tremendous improvement compared to the 2003 analogue-designed Taser X26 currently in use throughout the UK. “With the X2`s improved accuracy w