NEWS


LEADING THE WORLD ON TASER


The Federation’s Firearms and Less Lethal Weapons Lead Steve Hartshorn gives us the latest Taser updates, including Special Constables soon being eligible for training, following his presentation at a police chiefs’ conference.


A


s I was driving down from the Farne Islands after an interactive and engaging dive weekend with


seals in September, I began to turn my thoughts to the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) Taser Conference I had been invited to speak at in Leeds and what I would be saying. The venue was the very impressive


Leeds Armouries, a vast repository showcasing the evolution of all types of weapons and protective armour from around the world that has evolved over the centuries. So much work has been done, and


is underway, by the Federation at both a national and local level, alongside the many stakeholders, to help get the very best kit, equipment and policy in place so the safety and welfare of our colleagues is looked after. In the last year, we have seen an extra


98 officers with a Colour Vison Deficiency (CVD) permitted to undertake Taser training and deploy operationally because I asked if it was possible to review the rules. Members also successfully assisted with some compelling evidence to support a submission to the courts as to why they should be permitted to wear Taser in court on duty. I also took the opportunity to highlight


to chief constables in the room what we are doing on our Back 2 Basics campaign. We are asking the NPCC and the Government for better fitting and sizing of body armour, especially for female officers, and working with the police treatment facilities to build core strength and “pre-habilitation” routines.


Special Constables will also be


permitted, subject to local chief constables’ consent, to be eligible for Taser training, assisting them in keeping the public, and themselves, safe which is excellent news and makes sense given they face the same threats and risks as their regular, full-time colleagues. During the conference, two special


constables from British Transport Police (BTP), Ben and James, told the room about the realities of being on the frontline and why it is so important they have an option to be Taser trained. This is one piece of the puzzle of Federation work over the years to press for a change in law which will let members of the Special Constabulary join the Police Federation if they want to and receive the protections they deserve early next year.


Guest speakers included the less lethal weapons lead and newly promoted to Chief Constable of the BTP, Lucy D’Orsi, Dr Alex Gorton from the Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine and Chief Constable for the Civil Nuclear Constabulary and National Firearms Lead Simon Chesterman. Neil Corney, chair of the National Taser Stakeholder Advisory Group, was also in attendance to speak to the conference to highlight their role in being a critical friend and watchful eye on the discussions and developments of Taser in the UK. An online “Voice of the Customer”


session with Axon CEO Rick Smith looked at some proposed ideas and sought vital and informative customer feedback about developments on the future areas of work they may be looking at.


Steve Hartshorn. Officers at the event were also able


to experience the Taser 7 (T7) in several formats for the first time. One option was using a real T7 device to experience how the “tilt” switch works in selecting short or long-range Taser cartridges with a flick of the wrist by 90 degrees. The other option was using a virtual reality headset and handheld device to see how tech can be integrated to complement, not replace, training and assist with handling and aiming in a safe learning environment. Overall, the world of less than lethal weapons is in a good place and seen by many as world leading in its approach to training and procedures. The Federation will still represent and push for the very best protection in terms of equipment and legislation to look after our officers who keep the public safe.


09 I POLICE I DECEMBER 2021


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