‘Proof Will Be In The Pudding’ On Government’s Taser Pledge

ESSEX Police Federation has given a cautious welcome to the Government’s pledge to provide £10 million to equip officers with Taser.

Home Secretary Priti Patel announced that up to 60% of officers could be equipped with Taser – with £10 million being given to the police service to pay for it.

Chairman Steve Taylor said: “We’ve been saying for a long time in Essex that we want to increase our Taser provision, but we’ve acknowledged that our force isn’t in a position to afford it.

“So recent announcements, if they come to pass, we very much welcome centrally funding Taser. If that means that we can have more devices for officers on patrol in our communities in Essex then that can only be a good thing.

“We wait to see the finer detail. The proof will be in the pudding and hopefully there won’t be any nasty surprises.”

The Home Secretary told the Conservative Party conference she was “empowering” the service.

She said: “It is the job of chief constables to make that operational decision. It is the job of the Home Secretary to empower them to do so. I am giving them that power.”