Surge in the use of Tasers is troubling – Diane Abbott

Diane Abbott MP, Labour's Shadow Home Secretary, responding to Home Office figures that show Police taser use reached a record high last year, said:

"This surge in the use of Tasers is quite troubling especially as non-white people are disproportionately targeted. Of course the use of reasonable force is a key part of policing. But the government should examine whether this big increase is justified or effective."

Ends

Note to editors:

• The Home Office 'Police use of force statistics' shows a 39% increase in the use of Tasers in 2017/18 compared to the previous year, and that 30% of individuals targeted were non-white, (pp.16-17) https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/853204/police-use-of-force-apr2018-mar2019-hosb3319.pdf