Cheshire Police to be armed with Tasers

Cheshire Police is to purchase 130 Taser weapons with a Home Office grant.

Whilst Tasers are seen as a ‘non-lethal alternative’ to conventional firearms and are designed to incapacitates targets, they can be lethal – and a number of people have died following their use. Needless to say it is illegal for members of the public to own one.

The £107,250 award to Cheshire Constabulary is part of £10 million ring-fenced government fund.

Funding was decided based on the threats and risks in each local area.

Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) David Keane said: “As well as keeping the public safe, ensuring police officers in Cheshire have the most appropriate equipment to carry out their job safely and effectively is one of my main priorities, and Taser is a well proven tactical option for officers dealing with conflict.”

A recent review of Taser capability in Cheshire indicated that Tasers would reduce harm to police officers.

Chief constable Darren Martland added: “We are delighted to have secured this funding to purchase an additional 130 Tasers for our specially trained frontline officers. Ensuring we reduce the risk of violent crime is a key priority for the Constabulary, and this funding will we help ensure we have the correct equipment to protect our staff.”