Police use of Tasers is on the rise

Taser use by police in Kent rose more than 50% in a year, new Home Office figures show.

Officers on the force drew the weapon 475 times between April 2017 and March 2018 - an increase of 55% on the previous year - and fired the device on 35 occasions.

The rest of the time, the Taser was used to warn suspects, and in 169 cases, officers aimed and partially activated the Taser so a red dot appeared on the person.

Police officers must decide whether using a Taser is legal, proportionate and necessary in the situation.

Oliver Feeley-sprague, from Amnesty UK, said the public should “resist drum-beat of calls for all police to carry a Taser,” adding: “The Taser is a poten- tially lethal weapon and should be treated accordingly.”

Assistant Chief Constable Peter Ayling of Kent Police said: “Tasers are one option police use in protecting the public and police officers involved in violent situations. The use of Taser is effective, less intrusive and often safer than alternatives such as expandable batons.”