New PCs should be handed Tasers say officers

Current regulations allow only officers with two or more years’ experience to be armed with the weapons, which are used to stun suspects who resist arrest.

But the National Police Chiefs’ Council announced yesterday that it was supporting proposals for selected probationers to be given Tasers after completing “a rigorous application and training process”.

Senior officers believe the option should be available based on local assessments of threat and risk. They are discussing the move with the Home Office, which will have the final say.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Lucy D’Orsi, the national policing lead for “less lethal” weapons, said: “Probationers are posted to the front line and they respond to the same calls as other colleagues.

“These calls range from dealing with vulnerable people in need of help to incidents of violence.

“We want to ensure that they have the right equipment to keep themselves, suspects and members of the public safe.

“As part of this, we want to give forces the opportunity to train their probationary officers to carry Taser.”

The senior officer noted that at present, suitability to carry Tasers was determined by an officer’s length of service rather than skills or the role to which they had been deployed.

Ms D’Orsi said: “The diversity of our workforce has changed considerably and many of our probationers have professional and life skills from before they started their police career that demonstrates their capability and ability to carry Taser.

“Taser remains an emotive subject but, when compared with other use of force options such as the police baton, it is safer not only for police officers but also for communities.”

The possibility of expanding the pool of staff eligible for Taser training was mooted last year as police leaders launched a review into what further measures might be needed to ensure officers could protect themselves and the public when faced with armed terrorists.

Pc Keith Palmer was stabbed to death in the Westminster attack, while an officer was hurt when he confronted the London Bridge terror gang with a baton. In both cases the attackers were shot dead by armed police.

Under the new plans, probationers would be able to choose whether to apply for Taser training.