By Angela Beswick
More than 400 front line police officers are being trained to use Tasers in Auckland, Counties Manukau, Waitemata and Wellington following a successful trial.
Tasers will be reintroduced to these districts as part of a nationwide rollout, which will see at least one unit at every police station across the Central District.
“Members of the public will not generally notice any difference, as the Tasers will be routinely carried on duty,” Senior Sergeant Richard Smith said in a statement today.
A total of 76 Taser units will be allocated to the four areas, Mr Smith says.
In the 132 times the Taser was deployed in 2009, it was only discharged a total of 10 times – one of which was on a dog.
“They will be issued to trained officers as they start a shift and locked in a special safe in patrol cars,” says Mr Smith.
Training for police began earlier this month and all 413 front line officers are expected to be trained by June. Officers will be expected to undergo refreshers and certification annually.
Each Taser will have an in-built video and audio recorder, which will automatically activate each time the Taser is used. Police say the recordings will be retained for evidential and training purposes.
“It is important that the public are reassured Tasers are being operated appropriately,” says Mr Smith.
Officers will be working in accordance to strict guidelines, he says.
“The recordings will help us identify any additional training needs.”
Training includes Taser operation as well as the after-care of someone who has been tasered. Anyone requiring urgent medical attention will be taken to hospital and an independent medical advisory group will monitor all medical reports.
“Just like firearms and pepper spray, the Taser is simply another tool in the toolbox,” says Mr Smith.
“The situation will be assessed and the most appropriate tool for the situation will be deployed.”
3 News