New standards and training are available as a new advanced model of taser is approved
New Taser 10 guidance and training
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The College has worked with the government and National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) on the evaluation and testing of a new Taser model. The new Taser will support frontline police officers to resolve dangerous situations quickly and safely, so they can protect the public and themselves from harm.
Seeing police officers carrying Tasers on the streets can cause concern in communities and the public rightly expect that officers who carry the new model of Taser are trained to a consistent and high standards.
Officers will only deploy a Taser when necessary, proportionate and reasonable to do so – upholding the core principles of policing in England and Wales and maintaining public confidence in how police use force.
Taser 10 training and guidance
To support forces and frontline officers with the introduction of the new Taser 10 (T10™) model, we have produced updated Taser 10 authorised professional practice (APP) and a new training package to be delivered in each force that adopts it. We will deliver a 'Train the trainer' course to up to 140 instructors over the next year.
Our updated training aims to rigorously prepare officers so they are familiar with the new Taser and can use it accurately and confidently in some of the most dangerous and serious situations. It includes de-escalation techniques and, for the first time, virtual reality (VR) exercises where officers can practice using the new Taser model in realistic simulations.
[Officer being trained] Aim. Engage. Taser, Taser. Taser, Taser. Taser, Taser.
[Narrator] Taser 10 is the latest device from the manufacturer.
With the introduction of Taser 10 we've now got a device that we can use from much further away. Now, this gives us more time and space to deal with potentially very violent and dangerous situations. So, the Taser 10 should help officers to bring situations to a safe conclusion far more quickly and far more safely.
The other thing that Taser 10 improves on is accountability because it records far more data parameters than before. And by developing that accurate picture, both based on body-worn video and the data from the device, that will help build trust and confidence because we'll have an accurate picture of what's happened during that incident.
So the College's key mission is leadership, standards, and performance. And the College develops all the nationally standardised training products for Taser. So we've developed new modules to support the Taser 10. So it means that every police force in the United Kingdom is operating to that same standard. And that means that we've got a high standard that will reassure both policing and the public that we make sure that we train officers properly with a Taser before they're allowed to deploy out on the streets.
The other thing that we've now introduced with Taser 10 is use of virtual reality. And that's got lots of benefits because there's things that we can recreate in virtual reality that are very hard to recreate in a conventional training environment. And dealing with violent situations is not easy. It's extremely challenging.
What we want to do is allow training to prepare officers for those challenging situations. That way, if we make that training scenario as realistic as possible, that's the best preparation we can possibly give those officers.
Alongside classroom-based and other practical exercises, this reflects our commitment to elevate standards and performance across policing while ensuring public safety remains the absolute priority.
Our updated authorised professional practice provides the standards for forces to ensure their officers use the new Taser 10 model safely, responsibly and effectively. It sets out the processes officers should follow when using the device, including to issue a clear verbal warning and, when possible, attempt to de-escalate the situation without use of force.
Taser 10 is an invaluable tool, and it is policing's responsibility to make sure it is used wisely and effectively.
The College's updated guidance was developed in consultation with experts and tested in real-world scenarios. The effective use of Taser 10 is about improving the safety of our police officers and fulfilling our duty to protect the public from harm, whilst using the minimum amount of force. It’s also about trust, as the public rightly expects police powers are used with care and accountability.
Our new guidance and training will ensure officers are not only prepared to the highest possible standards, but also that those standards are transparent. This will help build public trust and confidence and ensure officers are held to the high professional standards the service is proud to uphold.
Chief Constable Sir Andy Marsh, CEO College of Policing
Taser 10 features
Tasers can be used either in direct contact or from a distance. When an officer uses a taser, they fire probes designed to pierce clothing and skin. When two probes connect, they deliver an electric charge which disrupts the body’s neuromuscular system allowing officers an opportunity to de-escalate potentially dangerous situations.
The new Taser 10 will begin to replace the X2™ model, currently the most commonly used Taser in UK policing. Advances in technology mean the new model will include:
Longer range
Officers will be trained to use the new Taser from up to 10 metres (32 feet) away compared to the previous five metres (16 feet), providing more time and space for decision-making.
Increased capacity
The new Taser can fire up to 10 single probes, compared to two previously. Meanwhile the officer can determine where each individual probe is fired, unlike previous devices.
De-escalation features
De-escalation features include:
- a bright green light which can be seen more clearly in bright sunlight
- a loud warning sounds which, if activated by the officers, alerts the public and serves as a deterrent to offenders
More sustainable
The new model is also expected to be more sustainable with just one rechargeable battery required for the life of the device.
