Over 400 front-line police officers are being trained to use Tasers in Central District, providing another tactical option in the Police toolbox.
The roll-out of Tasers across the country follows a trial carried out in Auckland City, Counties Manakau, Waitemata and Wellington. The results were evaluated resulting in the Taser being reintroduced to those four districts. During 2009 the Taser was deployed 132 times. In only 10 of those cases were the probes of the Taser actually discharged; one of those on a dog.
Central District has been allocated 76 Taser units meaning there will be at least one unit available at every police station across the District; more than one at larger stations.
Training began in March and all 413 of the 'first response' staff will be trained by the end of June. Training is both theory and practical and all operators must undergo refreshers and certification annually.
Senior Sergeant Richard Smith said: "Members of the public will not generally notice any difference as the Tasers will not be routinely carried on duty. They will be issued to trained officers as they start a shift and locked in a special safe in patrol cars."
Each Taser will have an in-built video and audio recorder which will automatically activate each time the Taser is used and the recordings will be retained for evidential and training purposes.
"It is important that the public are reassured that the Tasers are being operated appropriately," said Senior Sergeant Smith. "Officers will be working in accordance to strict guidelines and the recordings will also help us to identify any additional training needs."
Officers are not only taught how to operate the Taser, they are trained in the after-care of someone they have tasered, until such time a Police doctor is able to carry out an examination. Anyone requiring urgent medical attention will be taken straight 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; the situation will be assessed and the most appropriate tool for the situation will be deployed," said Senior Sergeant Smith.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 06 351 2546 or 027 234 8256.
