WELSH police forces will receive over half a million pounds to equip officers up and down the country with Taser devices, the Home Office has announced.
A total of £575,850 will be distributed between Wales’ four police forces and used to purchase just under 700 electrical Taser devices for officers in the country.
North Wales Police is set to receive £137,775 for 167 devices.
South Wales Police were issued the highest sum of money from the allocation, with £273,075 set to fund 331, while, Dyfed Powys were given £99,000 for 120 Taser devices and Gwent Police £66,000 for 80.
This comes as part of a UK-wide uplift that will see 41 police forces given a sum of £6.5 million which could lead to nearly 8,000 more officers being able to carry Tasers.
Home Secretary, Priti Patel, said: “The rise in assaults on officers is alarming and Taser is a vital option in dangerous situations.
“I am committed to providing forces across Wales with the powers, resources and tools they need to keep themselves and the public safe.
“We are also consulting on our Police Covenant which will recognise their service and sacrifice and enshrine their rights in law.”
Bidding which launched in January 2020 gave all Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) the chance to request money from a £10 million ring-fenced fund.
Funding applications were based on the threats and risks in their local areas and PCCs outlined how many additional officers they plan to train to use Taser devices.
The final funding allocations will cover the period up to March 2021, with £150,000 from the £10 million fund being allocated to training for Taser instructors.
John Apter, National Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales said: “Taser is an essential piece of equipment which has saved many police officers from serious injury or worse.
“I have campaigned for ring fenced funding for more colleagues to have access to Taser and it’s refreshing that the Home Secretary has listened and acted.
“Policing is dangerous and unpredictable. My colleagues need all the support they can get, and I hope this extra funding will make a difference.”
Katy Bourne, Association of Police and Crime Commissioners Chair, added: “The priority for all Police and Crime Commissioners, alongside keeping the public safe, is the protection and safety of police officers and staff.
“PCCs recognise and appreciate the exceptional and often dangerous job that officers do to protect the public.
“Taser is one of a number of well proven tactical options available to police officers when dealing with an incident with the potential for conflict and we welcome the additional funding for it.
“PCCs fully support and welcome the consultation on the Policing Covenant which will help to enshrine their rights in law.”
The decision to fund police forces for Taser devices follows several commitments to back the police with more resources, powers and support.
Other steps that have recently been taken include the recruitment of an estimated 20,000 additional officers over the next three years, expanded stop and search powers, and plans to increase the maximum sentence for assaulting emergency service workers.
The approximate sum of around £3.3 million that is remaining from the fund will go towards tackling serious violence and county lines.
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