Tazer should be brought in sooner rather than later says McCrea
Ulster Unionist Police Board Member Basil McCrea today said he supported moves by the Chief Constable to phase in ‘Tazer’ units saying that they would save lives rather than endanger them.
In a statement today, after the Policing Board voted against their immediate introduction until an impact assessment was made, Mr McCrea said,
“There have been many misleading statements about Tazers in the Policing Board, giving the impression that the PSNI would use them willy nilly.
Tazers are to be used as a last resort, in place of firearms where appropriate. Surely it is better to Tazer an individual committing a serious crime or endangering the lives of others rather than shoot them?
The Policing Board has asked for an equality impact assessment to be carried out before they make a decision. My own personal view is that not only should the Chief Constable’s operational independence be safeguarded at all costs and at all times, but also that if a Tazer saves one life where it could have been lost by shooting someone with a gun then it is something that needs to be brought in sooner rather than later.”