Number of police trained to use Tasers set to double

SOUTH Wales Police is to double its number of Taser-trained officers in the next year, with plans for even more the following year.

The move comes following a wide-ranging review by Chief Constable Matt Jukes that looked into the best ways for officers to protect the public and themselves during incidents.

South Wales Police will now increase its proportion of Taser-trained officers from 10% of all officers to 20% in the next 12 months.

It means an additional 281 officers will be trained to cover the force area, with a similar increase planned for the year after.

The decision has been reviewed and strongly endorsed by the Police and Crime Commissioner, Alun Michael.

Mr Michael said: “The use of a Taser is often misunderstood and misrepre- sented so it’s important to stress that – properly used – it is a means of preventing injury.

“Tasers are frequently used to prevent violence against police officers but also against members of the public and individuals who need to be restrained.

“I have looked specifi- cally at the way in which Tasers are used by South Wales Police as part of my role in holding the Chief Constable to account for operational policing.

“Very often, the Taser isn’t even used because its presence has been enough to deter an offender,” he added.