‘Restrained and proportionate’ use of Taser in Northumbria

NORTHUMBRIA Police officers are proving themselves “restrained and proportionate” in their use of Taser, the Chairman of the Force’s Federation has said.

Taser was only used taser 35 times in the force in 2016. This was down by almost two thirds from the 91 times they were used the year before. There were 21 “non-discharges” and 14 “discharges”, figures published by the Government reveal.

Jim Gray, Chairman of Northumbria Police Federation, said that while there was not a “vast number” of officers in the force who use Taser, the ones that do carry it are well trained.

“I know the use of Taser will generally be very appropriate, very thoughtful, and very justified,” added Jim.

“It’s heartening that these statistics show that officers are very thoughtful around deploying Taser – restrained and proportionate in their use.”

Inspector Louise Galliott-Thornton, of the firearms support unit at Northumbria Police, said: “Tasers are just one of many tools at our disposal for resolving violent incidents and will be deployed once an officer has made an appropriate and detailed risk assessment based upon the threat.

“These figures show Northumbria Police officers are increasingly using their specialist training to find alternative means to draw these incidents to a peaceful conclusion, protecting the safety of the public and police alike.

“We are proud that officers consider every situation carefully and are confident in their training to make the right decision when dealing with a violent or threatening situation.”