West Yorkshire Police reduce use of tasers

West Yorkshire Police officers fired devices 66 fewer times in 2012 compared to 2011 - a 35 per cent decrease.

The stun facility of tasters was used on three occasions in 2012, compared to nine in 2011.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Milsom said: “We take our responsibility extremely seriously and it is scrutinised at every level. Having been one of ten Forces to trial the use of taser by non firearms officers in 2007, we have developed our practices and procedures to a high standard.

“Senior officers review the circumstances following every use of taser to identify any issues or lessons to be learned. It is this approach which is ensuring we are only using taser when we need to and this has seen a general reduction in its use, particularly in the number of times it has actually been discharged.

“Taser is one important tool that has allowed us to deal with incidents more safely and effectively, sometimes in very volatile situations.

“It often allows us to resolve an escalating situation at an early stage, avoiding injury to members of the public, officers themselves, and also to those who may be involved in an incident.

“Its benefits have been proven on numerous occasions throughout the Force and we continue to utilise it as a vital tool in protecting the people of West Yorkshire.”