Police in the Western Isles to be armed with Tasers
POLICE officers in the Western Isles and remote and rural areas of the Highlands are set to carry Tasers for the first time.
The move is part of a national drive to arm more officers with the devices because of an increase in attacks on police.
Five hundred more officers are being trained in the use of Tasers in both urban and rural areas.
The programme, which includes the Western Isles, started in May.
Many of the newly-trained officers are now out on patrol. The total number of specially trained officers will equate to just under 3 per cent of the overall force establishment and brings Police Scotland into line with forces throughout the UK.
Chief Superintendent Matt Richards said: “Our priority at all times is the safety of the public and the safety of our officers who are attending incidents, often not knowing what they’ll face. Due to the increasing number of incidents officers are attending where people are armed with bladed weapons and the growing number of assaults on police officers, it is necessary for us to take steps to improve our ability to keep the public and officers safe.
“The officers will be fully trained in the use and safe keeping of the Taser and there will also be a focus on dealing with vulnerable people and identifying risks to ensure that the deployment of Taser is proportionate and safe. These officers will be deployed at the heart of local policing in all 13 divisions across Scotland, helping to keep their colleagues and the public safe and bringing Police Scotland into line with forces throughout the UK.”
Calum Steele from the Scottish Police Federation said: “Police officers are attending incidents where they face increased violence, and individuals armed with weapons on a daily basis. They are subjected to assaults and regularly suffer injuries, some of which can be life changing and career ending.
“It is vital that officers have the necessary equipment and training so they can keep the public, and themselves, safe when responding to these incidents.”
Every time a Taser is discharged, a report is sent to the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner to independently assess the incident.