Police forces awarded extra funding for Taser

Nearly 8,000 more police officers will be equipped with Taser under a Home Office-funded uplift.

The Home Office has announced that a total of 41 forces in England and Wales will receive £6.5 million to purchase 7,923 devices.

Bidding which launched in January gave all Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) the chance to request money from a £10 million ring fenced fund. Funding applications were based on the threats and risks in their local areas and PCCs outlined how many additional officers they plan to train to use Tasers. The final funding allocations will cover the period up to March 2021.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “Our brave police officers put themselves in harm’s way to protect us all and Taser is a vital option in dangerous situations. This funding forms part of our commitment to ensure forces have the powers, resources and tools they need to keep themselves and the public safe. This week I also launched our consultation on the Police Covenant which will enshrine their rights in law, recognising their service and sacrifice.”

John Apter, National Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “Taser is an essential piece of equipment which has saved many police officers from serious injury or worse. I have campaigned for ring fenced funding for more colleagues to have access to Taser and it’s refreshing that the Home Secretary has listened and acted. Policing is dangerous and unpredictable, my colleagues need all the support they can get and I hope this extra funding will make a difference.”