12 Mar 2020
On 2 March 2020, the Home Office announced that Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner has secured funding for 120 new Tasers.
Following the announcement, Dyfed-Powys Police will receive almost £100,000 of additional funding to equip more officers.
Bidding was launched for the funding in January, and gave all Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) across England and Wales the chance to request money from a £10 million ring fenced fund.
Funding applications were based on the threats and risks in local areas and PCCs outlined how many additional officers they plan to train to use Tasers.
The final funding allocations will cover the period up to March 2021.
Police and Crime Commissioner, Dafydd Llywelyn said; “The Funding for additional tasers for officers in the force is welcomed especially in light of recent increases in assaults on Police Officers.
“As the Commissioner, the security and safety of the community including serving officers is my priority”.
Superintendent Jon Cummins, Specialist Operations lead at Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We welcome the announcement of 120 additional Tasers for the force. Tasers can be a valuable and effective option for police officers when dealing with violence or threats of violence. Tasers allows the police to respond to situations where otherwise we may have to deploy firearms and is one of a number of tactical options deployed by the police to protect themselves and members of the community.
“The amount of Taser authorisations has risen over the last 2 years, which is as a result of an increasing number of incidents involving the presence of knives. This is an emerging trend which is replicated nationally.
“The additional devices will be shared across the force area in line with demand and to ensure maximum geographical coverage.
“Taser is an important tactical option for officers but is not the answer to all violent or threatening situations. Its use is regulated by strict standards and is conditional on the completion of a rigorous training programme. “
“The use of Taser is governed by national guidelines and experienced officers make an assessment of the threat and risk presented to them before any decision is made to use one. Each time a Taser is deployed, we review that use to ensure policy has been followed and to identify any concerns.”
Home Secretary Priti Patel said, “Our brave police officers put themselves in harm’s way to protect us all and Taser is a vital option in dangerous situations.
“This funding forms part of our commitment to ensure forces have the powers, resources and tools they need to keep themselves and the public safe.”
ENDS
