Don't withdraw trial tasers

“Trial Taser units should remain available for frontline use where they are currently issued,” Police Association Vice-President Stuart Mills said today.

The Taser trial in four police districts (Waitemata, Counties-Manukau, Auckland City and Wellington) will end with the withdrawal of units on August 31.

“The Taser trial has been an outstanding success. It has prevented likely serious injury and possibly death on several occasions. No incidents have been reported that give any grounds for believing that fears expressed in some quarters about inappropriate use of the device are well founded,” Mr Mills said.

“We are absolutely confident the formal evaluation will come to the same conclusion before a decision is made to roll out the device nationwide. But it would be very risky to withdraw units where they are already issued and proving their value.”

“Tasers give Police an effective option for dealing with violent and aggressive offenders without the need to deploy lethal force. If a situation occurs after the withdrawal that results in serious injury or death of a member of the public or a police officer, it will be very, very hard to justify the withdrawal to the victim’s family,” Mr Mills said.