Strathclyde Police fighting to use taser stun guns

A controversial taser gun pilot scheme to be launched by Strathclyde Police Force has been criticsed by human rights group, Amnesty International.

Scotland’s largest police force want to allow more officers to carry the taser stun guns from this spring.

John Watson, Amnesty International’s UK Director for Scotland, said he “accepts” that tasers may be needed in dangerous or life threatening situation, but believes that the proposed scheme will not work.

Mr Watson has also highlighted research on the abuse of taser guns in the U.S.A and Canada.

A taser gun can deliver a 50,000 volt electric shock to suspected offenders, immobilising them.

“Tasers give police officers a power over the public that upsets the delicate balance in our society. We have a system that works, and evidence that other systems do not,” said Mr Watson.

The police force claim that the guns will help decrease police assaults and protect the public. Strathclyde Police claim that on average, four thousand officers have been assaulted every year in the last few years.

Chief Superintendent Bob Hamilton is in charge of the pilot scheme. He has continued to defend the scheme after Amnesty International voiced their concerns.

He told The Herald earlier this month: “When you go in close to make an arrest, that means entering a danger area for both the officer and for the individual involved.”

He continued: “Using hand-to-hand combat or batons can provoke retaliation, whereas Tasers may help us maintain a safer distance and avoid the use of force.”

Chief Supt, Hamilton acknowledged that the scheme was a “contentious issue” but reiterated that he did not “think it will ever be our intention to give one to every officer”.

Amnesty encouraged concerned members of the public to write to their MSPs.

Currently, only specially trained firearms officers are permitted to use the guns in Scotland.