POWERFUL Tasers that can be deployed against criminals from 45 feet away — nearly double the current range — will be introduced to law enforcement this year.
The new devices, set to be distributed to police forces later this year, can launch darts at a suspect at a velocity of 205 feet per second.
The ‘Taser 10’ can discharge up to ten individual probes simultaneously.
The devices feature small hooks that attach to their target, delivering 1000 volts of power to neutralize a potential threat.
The Axon devices, manufactured in Arizona, are also equipped with a powerful strobe light and an audible warning before activation.
The equipment, which costs £1,000 annually per device, has recently received approval for use by UK police.
Statistics from the previous year indicate that out of 33,478 instances where police drew their weapons, they were only discharged in one-tenth of those cases, with most suspects complying before being tasered.
Officials stated: “Police officers across the country excel at de-escalating stressful and often dangerous situations, but their safety, along with the safety of the communities they serve, is paramount.
“The new T10 provides a safer alternative for officers who encounter these hazardous scenarios.
“This new device, supported by rigorous testing, will assist our police forces and properly trained officers in addressing situations more effectively while maintaining public trust and accountability, which are essential to our Plan for Change.”
Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi, the national policing lead for less lethal weapons, commented: “We take pride in operating a largely unarmed police service based on public consent, where officers resolve most incidents safely without resorting to force, and we continue to witness a steady decline in Taser deployments.
“Tasers provide critical support in high-risk, fast-paced situations. Officers who volunteer to carry Tasers undergo extensive training, and in 92% of cases, the mere presence of a Taser swiftly and safely defuses potential danger.
“Accountability is crucial, and the new Taser 10 model enhances oversight while prioritizing de-escalation, reinforcing our commitment to public safety and trust.”
A police officer demonstrates the new Taser.
