Extra police to use Tasers after 50% increase in officer assaults
Now, following a review, the number of Taser trained officers will rise up to 650 across the force by 2021.The increase will see the number of patrol officers trained in the use of Taser rise to 45 per cent.Chief Constable Marsh added: “We know from the last time we increased the number of Taser trained officers by 15 per cent that it led to a decrease in the number of overall Taser deployments.
The number of police trained to use Tasers across Avon and Somerset is to increase – following a 50 per rise in the number of assaults on officers.

Latest figures show the number of assaults on police has risen by 54 per cent over the last two years.

Now, following a review, the number of Taser trained officers will rise up to 650 across the force by 2021.

Tasers - what are they and when can police use them?

Taser is a less-lethal, double shot self-defence weapon (the X2 model) used by trained officers to temporarily incapacitate a violent or potentially violent person, who poses a danger to themselves or other people nearby.

Chief Constable Andy Marsh said: “The safety of officers is paramount and it’s vital we equip them with the skills and tools required to carry out their jobs effectively and without fear of harm.

“Policing can be dangerous and while we regularly deal with difficult and hostile situations, no-one should come to work in fear of being assaulted.

“It’s vital we take an evidence-based approach in deciding how many officers carry Tasers based on the current threat and risk levels.

“A recent review of this assessment has found we need to increase the number of Taser trained officers by 204, to a total of 650 by April 2021.”

Taser trained officers are deployed evenly across the force area and with different operational units in line with the assessment

The increase will see the number of patrol officers trained in the use of Taser rise to 45 per cent.

There are also Taser trained officers in neighbourhood, roads policing and other specialist frontline roles.

All officers equipped with Taser are highly trained and undergo a rigorous selection process.

The training focuses on use of force, decision making, officer safety training and first aid.

(Image: Scott Heppell/PA Wire )

Avon and Somerset is one of the first forces in the country to introduce de-escalation training to all frontline staff, which gives officers the skills to defuse hostile situations through negotiation.

Chief Constable Marsh added: “We know from the last time we increased the number of Taser trained officers by 15 per cent that it led to a decrease in the number of overall Taser deployments.

“Increasing the number of Taser trained officers is not the only way we can better protect our officers and communities from harm.”

A national review is currently also underway looking at the safety of police officers.

Chief Constable Marsh added: One thing I’m focussing on is ensuring Body Worn Video footage showing assaults on officers taking place is shown to the courts in every case, regardless of whether the defendant pleads guilty or not. “We need to ensure the deterrents are there to prevent these assaults from happening in the first place.”

(Image: Photo: Steve Pope)

The force’s Scrutiny of Police Powers Panel (SOPP), which is an independent panel made up of people from across our communities, will continue to review body worn video in order to monitor and scrutinise the use of police powers - including cases involving use of Taser.

Police Federation Chair Andy Roebuck said: “As a federation, we welcome this uplift as we believe officer and staff safety is a top priority.

“I’ve spoken with numerous officers who’ve been assaulted and they tell me of the impact that it has on them and their families.

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“This can be emotional and psychological, as well as physical. No police officer or staff member should have to go home and explain their injuries to their loved ones.

“We’ve been working with the constabulary to prevent and deter assaults on staff.

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"This uplift is just one important measure which we believe will enhance trust and confidence from our staff and our communities.

"We’ll continue to work with the constabulary on a range of other measures aimed at deterring those who commit offences like this.”

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