ESSEX Police still needs more Taser if it is to keep the public safe, the force\u2019s Federation has said.<\/p>\n
The force is in the process of training up more officers to use Taser ahead of acquiring the newer model. The single-shot X26 is being phased out after 13 years and the X2 model \u2013 which has a second shot in case the first fails to subdue a suspect \u2013 is being introduced across forces.<\/p>\n
Steve Taylor, Chairman of Essex Police Federation, said the force is working to introduce more Taser trained officers and devices, and that he welcomed the fact that \u201cthings are moving in the right direction\u201d.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cWe do need more however. We are restricted at the moment in terms of being able to buy the new devices. But once we have been able to increase the number of officers able to carry the Tasers by training them up, then hopefully we can look to purchasing more of them. The force is engaging with us on that.\u201d<\/p>\n
The majority of police officers in Essex believe more of their colleagues should be carrying a Taser, a survey of officers revealed in May.<\/p>\n
The poll, by Essex Police Federation, revealed that 83% of officers surveyed feel all Essex Police officers should be issued with Taser on duty.<\/p>\n
Over the last year in Essex Police, Taser was drawn 207 times \u2013 77% of the occasions the less lethal weapon was drawn, it was not used.<\/p>\n
In November, it was announced that 92 more officers \u2013 including 23 police dog handlers \u2013 will undergo training to use the devices, with a further 41 due to follow, after a review. This would more than double the number of officers trained to use the device.<\/p>\n
Following recent terrorist attacks, the Met has dramatically increased the number of officers carrying Taser. An additional 1,867 officers will carry devices, taking the total to 6,400 on London\u2019s streets.<\/p>\n
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