New survey: Do you want to carry Taser or a gun?

ESSEX Police Federation has launched a survey asking whether police officers in the county would like to carry Taser and be armed with a gun at all times.

Members are being asked from today (Monday 24 April) whether they would be willing to carry a gun, or carry a Taser, or if the prospect of being armed would put them off the job altogether.

“With the horrific events in Westminster, our members have been debating the age old question of whether all police officers should be armed,” said Steve Taylor, Chairman of Essex Police Federation. “That debate has also broadened to whether all officers should also carry Taser.”

He added: “As a Federation we think it is time to recanvass our members so our own position on these important issues can reflect their views.”

Options in the survey for officers – on both Tasers and Firearm – include whether they would want to carry them at all times on duty.

On firearms, options for officers to choose from include whether they think there need to be more officers carrying guns, whether the current numbers are adequate or whether police officers want to carry guns both off and on duty. They are also being asked if the thought of carrying a gun would make them leave the job.

The survey runs until mid-May.

Mr Taylor added: “We will be using the results to assess our own position on these two options and to assist in our conversations with the force. The results will also ensure that we can effectively contribute in the national debate taking place in policing on these important issues.”