‘More Tasers’ call after fury at kung-fu attack on policewoman
POLICE should be routinely armed with Tasers amid fears more officers are being brutally attacked, a police chief said last night.
John Apter, national chairman of the Police Federation, said more of the stun guns must be issued before violence against police surges out of control.
He spoke after two officers were beaten by thugs, one of whom aimed a flying kung-fu kick at a policewoman, in Merton, south-west London, on Saturday night.
Witnesses looked on and one filmed the attack on his phone.
Mr Apter said: “Incidents like these happen on a daily basis. We need more officers first and foremost. We also need a wider roll-out of Tasers and body-worn video throughout England and Wales.
“The Government need to act now before this escalates out of control, rather than continue to turn a blind eye whilst officers are being painted black and blue.
“If an officer does not have the right equipment or adequate backup, I support them withdrawing for their own safety – so they can go home to their families at the end of their shift.”
He said of the Merton attack: “It says a lot about our society when people’s first instinct is to get their phone out.”
Each force decides how many officers can carry Tasers.
Figures show 72 officers were attacked every day in the year to April – one every 20 minutes – as the number assaulted soared to 26,295.
Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Sir Steve House said officers were grateful for help from the public, but only if it was safe.
He said: “Whilst officers should never expect to be attacked as part of their job, a core part of safety training is ensuring they know how to respond to volatile situations.”