Tasers For All Police Officers In Northants

Pic: Northants Police

Northamptonshire Police is to become the first force in the country to arm all its front-line officers with taser stun guns.

Chief Constable Nick Adderley has taken the decision following a near 50% rise in attacks on officers in the county in the last two years – figures that are mirrored across the country.

The move will cost around £180,000 and it will take 18 months to train officers to use tasers.

Mr Adderley, said: “Enough is enough. Every week, I am made aware of more and more sickening attacks on my officers – they are spat at, assaulted on a daily basis and are being exposed to increasing levels of violence when they are deployed to incidents.

“No one comes to work to be assaulted and I want to make it crystal clear that my officers certainly don’t. It’s time to give all front-line officers the ability to defend themselves and defend members of the public, which involves equipping them with more than a baton, handcuffs and a can of pepper spray.

“This isn’t a decision I have taken lightly, but there comes a time when we have to accept that risks to front-line officers have changed dramatically in the past 10 years and I have responsibility as Chief Constable to respond accordingly.”

Leicestershire Police say more than 260 officers are currently trained in the use of Taser, in addition to firearms officers.

Deputy Chief Constable Rob Nixon, said: “The use of Taser in force means officers are better equipped to protect the public and themselves while also removing pressure from our firearms officers and ensuring that we can respond more quickly and effectively with the appropriate resources.

“We are aware of the announcement made by Northamptonshire Police, we are reviewing the roll-out of Tasers to more officers taking into account training and costs.”