Analysis: Officers need provision of full range of tactical options

THE Association of Scottish Police Superintendents has not had the opportunity to view the report on the use of tasers and, therefore, we are unable to provide any specific comment in respect of that document.

In general terms, our policy is that officers need to be provided with a full range of tactical options when being required to address a threat to public safety.

That will include traditional options, such as a baton and a set of handcuffs, through to more recent developments, including CS spray and taser.

Ultimately, the police have the option to resort to the use of firearms should such an option be warranted.

Clearly, the escalation of force will depend upon the level and nature of the threat encountered.

Taser is part of that escalation of force and is considered to be a “less lethal option”.

When using any of these options, officers require to utilise their professional judgment in the knowledge that any decision made by them with regard to the use of force may be tested in a court of law.

As we head towards formation of the Police Service of Scotland, this is another area which needs to be critically reviewed and considered in order to ensure that issues of proportionality, legality and necessity are addressed and a consistent approach is adopted.

Indeed, this may be an issue that the justice committee of the Scottish Parliament may wish to consider.

• Superintendent Niven Rennie is chairman of the Strathclyde branch of the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents