Where do you stand on this? Apparently more and more coppers will be give these devices. I agree with Vine here, this is a prime example of why they are needed. Especially as so many scumbags carry knives now.
My issue is that there are bad coppers, and recently it's been revealed around 35,000 have not been given appropriate background checks... Giving predators, psycopaths and just generally bad people weapons has, historically, been bad crack... Those individuals aside, and as long as efforts to minimise this collateral are put in place, I think it's probably the best option they can have in regards non-lethal options.
What evidence are you quoting from re background checks? In the post-Saville world of employment DBS checks, I'd be surprised at that. Anyhow, the police need all the help they can get in making arrests of bad people.
If they are going to be issued with tasers, they should also be issued with helmet cams (or whatever) so that there is a recording of what was happening when they used them.
i'm all in favour of coppers having them, my Dad's one and too many times have i seen him sporting a black eye or bust lip after a night of Bigg Market wrestling.
No problem for me with the Police having tasers so long as there is clear guidance as to when and how they are to be used. Too many morons out there now who think they’re always in the right because “mummy” never said “no” to them and who don’t even have the brains to be able to spell “no” never mind understand what it means.
I've been beaten up in a cell by policeman and the bastards kept my cuffs on during the process! they were saying we could do anything to you right now and I thought they were going to kill me! I don't like the idea that the same ones will have tasers, but ultimately the message is behave.. I learned a lesson that day I assure you of that..
I would avoid having the police routinely armed for as long as we can. The police carrying guns increases the incentive to shoot them before they shoot you.
The vine itself is a testament as to how absolutely useless female police are. That girl, who is fit and well trained, can't defeat an out of shape drunk. Even with her partners help. If he had a big guy backing him up, or even just an a normal bloke off the street that fella would be down. I feel absolutely no security from female coppers, they are literally only on the job for political purposes.
Have to say I'm against police carrying weapons outside of a batton. Tasers I don't have a problem with generally and don't really class as a weapon personally (as long as the bodycam is switched on...). As long as we are not escalating towards full arming of the police which will do nothing but see more people look to arm themselves. Being honest those two coppers did a **** job and should not have needed the taser. However its a good example of how they can be used effectively if things go tits up.
Definitely don't agree. Yes ok when it comes to overpowering some angry fella they often are not as well equipped but I am sure having women on the force helps to bring balance to many situations so they don't get this far. Anyway she's the one who tazered the to**er!
Horses for courses I would say. I've seen first hand when a policewoman is mismatched. Its not pretty and exposes badly some of the physicality differences between men and women. However I've also seen blokes react completely differently and non aggressive towards a female officer. There are situations where a male will prove better equipped and there will be situations where women are better equipped. It is also dependant on the bloke or women officer in question. The bloke could be 2 stone wet through and the lass a rugby playing brute! I think having a good mix is the answer. Perhaps look at improving ways they respond to calls in who they send. But I imagine they are so understaffed its a case of them sending who they have!
It was literally on the news a week or two ago https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/uk-49847206 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/uk-47073883