Taser training increased in Hampshire

More frontline officers from Hampshire Constabulary are to be trained to use Taser.

An additional 60 officers from the force’s targeted patrol team and the roads policing unit will be eligible for the training, currently 300 officers are authorised to use the device.

The training will cost almost £20,000 and is due to be completed by the end of 2015.

The decision by the force follows discussions with the Hampshire Police Federation and Hampshire’s police and crime commissioner (PCC).

In a recent Police Federation of England and Wales survey officers supported an increase in access to Tasers.

Chief Superintendent Scott Chilton said the force has listened and acted upon the views of officers.

“The experiences of using Taser show it can be an effective option for calming and resolving situations safely with less risk of serious injury to officers, suspects, victims, and other members of the public,” he said.

“Not every officer is given a Taser; we make training decisions based on a proportionate number that can help keep the public and police safe in our local communities.

“The use of Taser across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight reflects the rigorous and consistent training completed by officers specifically selected as meeting the high standard required to carry one.”

Hampshire PCC Simon Hayes said increasing the number of officers trained to carry the device will improve frontline policing, deter criminals and keep communities safe.

“Alongside enabling this investment, I have been clear that each use must be justified as being necessary and proportionate to the perceived threat,” he said.

Home Office figures released in October showed that Tasers were used 5,107 times by police in England and Wales in the first six months of this year, while overall use increased by 13 per cent over the past 12 months.

John Apter, the Chairman of Hampshire Police Federation said: “Tasers are an effective way of preventing violent confrontations from escalating, and in the short time we have been using Taser we have seen this to be the case.

“Police officers need to know that they have the best protection available, especially following recent cuts to officer numbers. Todays decision is a step in the right direction.”