TASER
As a result of the Independent Commission on Policing for Northern Ireland (Patten) recommendations 69 and 70, a Northern Ireland Office led UK Steering Group was established to undertake an extensive research programme into Alternative Policing Approaches Towards the Management of Conflict. This group focuses primarily on the search for less lethal alternatives to baton rounds but it has not limited its scope to public order technologies and has been watching developments in other technologies, including CS Spray and, more recently, developments in TASER. The fifth report from the Steering Group was published in Autumn 2006.
In March 2005, following extensive trials and medical testing, the Home Secretary agreed that Chief Police Officers of all forces in England and Wales could make TASER available to Authorised Firearms Officers as a less lethal alternative for use in situations where a firearms authority has been granted in accordance with ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) guidelines. All police forces in England and Wales currently deploy TASER.
The Chief constable advised the Policing Board of his intention to introduce TASER and following a short consultation exercise the Policing Board requested the PSNI to carry out further consultation on the proposed introduction of TASER for use by specialist firearm officers in PSNI.
Having considered the many representations made to the Policing Board during the consultation exercise, the Policing Board requested that the PSNI complete an equality screening exercise to ensure the PSNI adequately consider the impact of the introduction of TASER on all groups listed in Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 and to ensure that all groups have been given the opportunity to comment on the PSNI’s proposed policy on TASER.
The Policing Board recognises that the debate around the Chief Constable’s proposal to introduce the limited use of TASER within PSNI, as with all less lethal weaponry, is one of legitimate public interest, and that a decision on this matter should not be taken lightly.
It is also essential that all equipment available to PSNI meets the relevant human rights standards and the Policing Board will formally seek the views of its Human Rights Advisors on the Chief Constable’s proposals to introduce TASER. In deploying such equipment, no more force than is reasonable in a given set of circumstances must be used and the Policing Board has a responsibility to monitor PSNI compliance in this area.