SOUTH Yorkshire Police Federation wants every frontline officer to have Taser as part of their personal protection kit.<\/p>\n
Northamptonshire Chief Constable Nick Adderley recently told media outlets that he thought every officer would have access to the non-lethal weapon within three years, such is the rising tide of violence and assaults faced by officers on the frontline.<\/p>\n
And South Yorkshire Police Federation Chairman Steve Kent said rolling out Taser to all frontline officers is a \u2018no brainer\u2019.<\/p>\n
He explained: \u201cSouth Yorkshire just rolled out the XT Taser, which is the newer Taser.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd every frontline team should have at least one, possibly two Taser resources on them. So we are slowly getting there.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy view, ultimately, is that I would like to see every officer armed with a Taser because having been a Taser officer myself, it\u2019s an excellent piece of kit. The risks are minimal to the public, and it keeps officers safe.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a visual deterrent when you\u2019ve got a big, yellow taser on your stab vest. People do think twice.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, I absolutely support the roll-out. I know there\u2019s going to be a cost involved in that, and I\u2019d like to see central Government pushed to meet the costs. Every frontline police officer in South Yorkshire and in the country should have Taser.\u201d<\/p>\n
Steve said the kit is vital to protect officers from assaults and that it is potentially less harmful than deploying batons or a police dog when trying to control suspects.<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cIdeally we wouldn\u2019t want to use any use of force equipment. Violence against police officers is rising, so there is a need to protect them better.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is absolutely no doubt having been a Taser officer myself, that having it as part of your kit really does improve your options. The most important aspect is officer safety.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe second aspect is that a Taser is potentially going to cause less injury to the violent person who we have to arrest. Being Tasered will get them controlled with minimum force \u2013 being hit with a baton, or [the use of a] dog is potentially going to cause a lot more damage.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor me, there are very few cons to all officers having a Taser. It\u2019s a no-brainer, and the risks associated with them are minimal.\u201d<\/p>\n