Police roll out new tasers

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

THAMES Valley Police officers will be among those taking part in the roll-out of new equipment for police.

Officers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Constabulary will join them in launching new taser devices to replace old models.

Over the next 12 months, police will update from current “X2” models to Taser 7 models, which are described by the force as an “evolution” of their predecessors.

The new models will enhance the safety of personnel through the use of “twin” cartridge types which can be changed depending on the proximity of a person.

Tasers were first introduced in the UK in 2003, intended to find a middle ground between incapacitate sprays, such as pepper spray, and firearms.

The new Taser model was designed in 2018 with a new probe mechanism to reduce the number of medical implications of the use of stun devices.

Older probes could require medical attention to remove, or even get trapped in bone, if they penetrated sensitive areas.

New devices use a probe which is formed of a two-part mechanism similar to a bullet and casing assembly, meaning medical staff are less likely to be required to remove them. They will require the use of a small tool to remove, also reducing the likelihood of self-