The ability of Taser devices to safely diffuse potentially dangerous situations was proven again this week when Opotiki Police presented a Taser at an incident where a man was presenting a threat to himself and Police officers present.
Relieving District Operations Manager, Senior Sergeant Stu Nightingale, says Opotiki Police were called to a rural address on Wednesday morning where a local man had allegedly been threatening neighbours with a machete. It is understood that the man had a history of mental illness and violence including violence towards Police.
"The man was located in an agitated state. As he made an approach towards his house, where a machete lay on the front deck, the Taser was presented and a warning given by an attending officer.
"Upon seeing the Taser the man complied immediately with instructions and was taken into custody without the Taser having been fired.
"Carrying a Taser to an incident such as this is standard operating procedure. The safe resolution of this incident reinforces the effectiveness of Taser as a valuable, non-lethal tool to help us diffuse serious situations without harm to Police, the community or the offender.
"During the Taser trials, in most cases simply presenting a Taser at an offender has been enough to diffuse the situation and achieve a safe resolution. This has been proven again in this incident.
"Ultimately Taser will help us save lives, including those of Police, offenders and innocent members of the public."
The man was taken in Police custody and appeared in the Whakatane District Court on Thursday 13 May on a number of charges, including possession of an offensive weapon, threatens to kill, cultivates cannabis and possession of cannabis. He has been remanded in custody until his next court appearance in the Whakatane District Court on 19 May.
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Contact:
Jacky James
District Communications Manager
Phone: 07 343 1321