Taser

Conducted energy devices are commonly referred to as Taser, which is a brand name and registered trademark for a CED device.

The police are charged with maintaining order and keeping people safe. To do this, we sometimes encounter violent, aggressive or dangerous individuals.

Sometimes, we may need to use force to protect the public and ourselves from harm and to enforce the law. Officers are trained and permitted by law to use force in certain circumstances.

A (Taser) is a less lethal weapon designed to temporarily incapacitate a subject with an electrical current. It is one of several tactical options available when dealing with an incident with the potential for conflict.

All police forces are required to produce an annual ‘CED Strategic Threat and Risk Assessment’ to inform CED capability and capacity in response to local regional and national developments and requirements. The assessment determines the number of specially trained (Taser) officers required, their deployment and their training requirements.

Definition of the Use of Taser

The use of a CED ranges from the physical presence of a drawn CED through to discharge. 

The term ‘use’ includes any of the following actions carried out in an operational setting:

• drawing the device in circumstances where any person could reasonably perceive the action as a use of force
• sparking of the device, commonly known as ‘arcing’
• aiming the device or placing the laser sight red dot onto a subject
• firing a device so that the probes are discharged at a subject or animal
• application and discharge of a CED in direct contact mode (including three-point contact) and angled drive stun modes
• discharged in any other operational circumstances, including an unintentional discharge

The above may be used in conjunction with communication and de-escalation techniques.

The carriage of a CED does not, in itself, constitute a use of force. However, when a CED is ‘used’ the officer in possession is both legally and organisationally accountable.

Our Specially Trained (Taser) Officers are trained to the highest standard and apply the National Decision Model to ensure their use of Taser is proportionate, lawful, accountable and absolutely necessary.

More information about Taser including Questions and Answers NPCC Questions and Answers on Conducted Energy Devices