IOPC report flags concerns about police use of Taser

The Independent Office for Police Conduct has warned that the use of Tasers by police risks losing its legitimacy in the eyes of the public if community concerns are not addressed through improvements to national guidance, training and scrutiny of Taser use.

The warning follows a review of 101 independent investigations carried out by the IOPC between 2015 and 2020 which involved a Taser being used. The review looked at existing data and research, and considered the views of a range of community groups and other stakeholders.

The report makes 17 recommendations – to the College of Policing, the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, and the Home Office –  seeking improvements to national guidance and training; scrutiny and monitoring of Taser use; and data and research.

The review highlighted concerns about the number of cases – almost a third – where we identified potential missed opportunities to de-escalate the situation. There were also concerns around prolonged and multiple Taser discharges.  

Michael Lockwood, IOPC Director General, said: “There is no doubt that Tasers are a valuable tool for keeping both the public and police safe in dangerous circumstances.

“However, it is important there is ongoing independent scrutiny of Taser use so that both the police and the community can be assured they are being used appropriately. Clearer national guidance on the circumstances in which Taser should and should not be used and better training will improve officer safety, as well as give the public reassurance that Taser is being used only when absolutely necessary.

“Police forces must be able to justify to the public the circumstances in which Taser is deployed, particularly when children and vulnerable people are involved. Forces must also respond to the disproportionate use of Tasers against Black people.”

Of 101 independent investigations, 26 investigations led to a finding that an officer may have behaved in a manner that would justify bringing disciplinary proceedings or a referral to the Crown Prosecution Service. One case resulted in a criminal trial where an officer was convicted of unlawful manslaughter.