Taser 7 is more accurate, faster and compact than
previous models – therefore better in its purpose of
protecting the public and police.
It will also reduce costs for forces by replacing
disposable batteries with rechargeable ones.
Upon procurement by forces, officers could start
training with the new model within weeks.
Home Secretary said:
It is sickening that our brave police officers face
assaults and attacks as they work tirelessly to keep
us all safe.
They are our protectors and I will do everything in
my power to give them what they need to keep
themselves and the public safe.
This new Taser model will provide a safe and
effective tool for apprehending criminals.
Taser is an important tactical option for police in
potentially dangerous situations.
In September 2019 the government announced a £10
million ring-fenced fund to significantly increase the
number of officers carrying Taser.
All 43 police forces across England and Wales will be
able to purchase the new model.
National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Less Lethal
Weapons, DAC Lucy d’Orsi said:
The authorisation of the new Taser 7 model has passed
rigorous independent scientific and technical
assessments, and we are pleased it has received
authorisation to be considered by forces. This
testing ensures all necessary safety standards are
met, alongside continued operational reliability when
using the device against those who are violent or
threaten violence.
Procuring the Taser 7 is a matter for individual
police chiefs, who deploy Taser within their force
area in line with their strategic threat and risk
assessment. The deployment of Taser will differ from
force to force due to many factors.
The accountability of Taser is important to Chief
Constables, who have undertaken a commitment for
every officer who patrols with Taser to be equipped
with Body Worn Video. Independent research is also
beginning to further assess the use of Taser, and the
proportionality of its use.
Only specially trained officers will be able to use the
new device. Those who are already trained to use older
models will require new training for the Taser 7.
Chief Constable Mike Cunningham, CEO of the College of
Policing, said:
Policing is becoming ever more challenging and
ensuring officers have the training and support
needed to keep themselves safe while protecting the
public is rightly a priority for the service.
The College of Policing has worked with the
government and NPCC on the evaluation and testing of
the new Taser model and we will be issuing updated
training and guidance to officers and instructors as
part of the roll out.
All officers carrying Taser, regardless of their rank
or role, will continue to be trained to the high
national standards set by the College.
Chief Constables will decide how many officers in their
forces can carry the new devices based on strategic
assessments of threats and risks in their force areas.
Forces will be required to complete an additional
record every time a Taser 7 device is used, to monitor
the effects and performance of the device.
