WATCH: X2 Tasers issued to Guernsey Police

Monday 26 February 2018

The latest generation Tasers are being introduced in Guernsey as part of a UK-wide replacement exercise for Conducted Energy Devices (CED's).

The Taser X2 has been authorised for use by the Home Secretary, and offers some technological advantages, such as enhanced data collection, which will provide more detailed information to develop training and tactics and increase Police accountability.

Police who carry CEDs in Guernsey are highly trained Authorised Firearms Officers and undergo a rigorous programme which covers the law around how Tasers can be used, including decision making, human rights and the considerations required for any operational deployment. 

These training courses are followed up every year to test and refresh their skills and provide updates in terms of legislation and lessons learned from across the country.

Guernsey Police taser training 2018 from Bailiwick Express on Vimeo.

Above: Chief Inspector J-P Le Breton acts out a training scenario with a taser. The taser is using training rounds, so they are not electrically charged.

Tasers provide an additional option for Authorised Firearms Officers who are dealing with violence or threats of violence.  They create space between the subject and police and reduce the need for direct physical contact. The presence of Taser also helps calm a volatile situation in many cases, without the need to discharge.

"The new tasers take two cartridges, so you have two sets of probes and wires. The main thing that is an upgrade is the X2s are smart devices, so they can track the number of volts and monitor its output. This reduces their risks to the subject and the officers," Chief Firearms Instructor Sgt Sacha Yabsley said.

"They also allow you to have the two shots, so if you are not getting NMI - numero muscular incapacitation, which is what your going for - you can fire a second set of probes, and there is also obviously the opportunity for a second follow up."

Chief Inspector J-P Le Breton added: "Taser is another tool which can help and support officers to serve our island community while reducing the risk of harm.  Having a Taser can mean the difference between a volatile situation being peacefully resolved or not as it provides another tactical option officers can consider.

"The visible presence of the Taser and the red dot capability are proven to very often de-escalate a situation and that reduces the risk to both the officer and the subject.

 "We are not complacent and we work hard to ensure our equipment and training is right up to date.  This state of the art technology means we have the most advanced and developed equipment to enable operational officers to do their job in the most effective and safe way possible."

Guernsey Police dealt with 27 calls for service for Taser only incidents in 2017 for which there were 21 Taser authorities.  Taser was fired during 1 of these deployments.

The force was first issued the original Tasers in 2006.