Taser pilot scheme continues despite concerns

Sep 29 2007 by Liza Williams, Liverpool Daily Post

A PILOT scheme that will see more Merseyside police officers carrying Taser guns is to continue, despite the Metropolitan Police shelving similar plans.

The Met Police Authority (MPA) raised objections about the scheme, which allows non-firearms officers to carry the weapons.

In all, 48 extra officers in Merseyside were given the guns, which deliver a 50,000- watt charge to assailants, four weeks ago as part of the 12-month pilot.

Only 10 police forces in the UK were taking part, but London has now pulled out due to the MPA’s concerns the Tasers would be used more often than necessary.

MPA deputy chairwoman Cindy Butts said members wanted more information before they would sanction the scheme.

She added: “The authority previously agreed to the deployment of Tasers as an alternative to firearms. However, the proposal bought to us today was for Tasers to be used in addition to firearms. We are not happy to agree without greater explanation.”

But the decision has not affected Mersey-side’s part in the pilot. A spokesman said: “The scheme will carry on in Merseyside and is going well.”

Human rights groups have raised concerns about the weapons and the widening of their use by police forces.