More tasers for police in Plymouth?

Devon and Cornwall Police are asking the people of Plymouth what they think about the potential increased use of tasers by officers at a public meeting at the end of June.

The Force is reviewing their use and has been seeking public feedback about proposals which could see the number of taser-carrying officers increase in the next two to three years.

More than 700 public responses have been received so far to a survey launched in April and at similar meetings in Cornwall.

Residents of Plymouth get their chance to hear about the plans in more detail and pose questions to the senior officer leading the review. A public meeting will be held on 29th June at Plymouth University’s Roland Levinsky building starting at 6.30pm. Anyone who is interested is asked to pre-book their place at the event by emailing: taserconsultation@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk

Superintendent Ian Drummond-Smith will provide an overview of the plans and current taser use within the force. There will be a chance to ask questions and handle a training taser unit.

Currently 530 officers are taser trained (non-firearms) across the Force [around one sixth of officers] but under new plans this could increase to around 1,000 by 2018.

It is thought this will better protect communities and deal with incidents in isolated and rural areas where there is a threat of harm and risk to life to the public and where back-up to police officers may not be close by.

It is also hoped the change may reduce the number of assaults on police officers – currently around 30 a month.

Supt Drummond-Smith said, “No decisions have yet been made and we want the public to tell us what they think. We will then take into account these responses as part of ongoing review.”

The review is expected to make recommendations to the Chief Constable in the autumn.

For those who cannot attend the events but wish to have their say, the survey can be found and completed at https://services.devon-cornwall.police.uk/surveys/tasers/index.htm