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West Midlands Police rolls out double range taser

Oprah FlashWest Midlands
News imageWest Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster is wearing black rectangular glasses with a black suit and tie and blue shirt he is standing next to a man in a black and white chequered police hat, glasses and a red police vest. He is holding a yellow and red taser which has a light at the end and is pointed to the left of the image. Both men are looking towards the leftWest Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner
Specialised training at West Midlands Police's Tally Ho! Tactical Training Centre began on 2 February

A new type of taser with double the range of previous devices has been rolled out across the West Midlands Police force.

The Axon Taser 10 (T10) can fire up to 10 single-shot cartridges without reloading and operates at a range of up to 45ft (13.7m).

The new technology, which has replaced an older model, allows officers to be more precise and manage threats from a safer distance, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has said.

It was introduced after receiving approval from the Home Secretary last October, with West Midlands Police said to be one of the first forces in the country to deploy it.

PCC Simon Foster said: "Critically, this device provides more data than ever before, allowing for greater transparency, because the use of force must be appropriate, lawful and proportionate at all times.

"My office and I will continue to ensure the use of Taser is subject to rigorous internal governance and external scrutiny by our community-led panels, so that public trust and confidence remain at the heart of West Midlands policing."

News imageWest Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner General view of a yellow and red taser with a black handle lying on a grey table.West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner
The new model has replaced an older model, which was used for eight years

Local residents have been given the chance to review Taser usage data and body‑worn video through the PCC's scrutiny panels.

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