STORY
The Government has approved a new model of Taser for use by police forces in England and Wales, in what ministers describe as a major step forward in officer and public safety. The Taser 10, which has been tested and reviewed over the past year, can now be purchased by forces, although each one will need to carry out its own training and implementation before the devices are used on duty.
The Taser 10 offers a number of improvements over earlier versions, including the ability to fire up to ten individual probes which can be aimed more precisely, giving officers greater control in high-risk situations. It also includes a warning system that emits a sound before discharge, intended to deter suspects and reduce the need to fire. The device has an extended range of nearly fourteen metres, meaning officers can maintain a safer distance in dangerous encounters.
Policing Minister Sarah Jones said the new device would give officers a safer option when dealing with violent offenders and stressed that its use must remain proportionate and accountable. Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi, the national lead for less lethal weapons, said the Taser already helps resolve volatile incidents without harm in most cases, and the improved model would strengthen that capability.