Amnesty International has criticised the Metropolitan Police's consideration of increasing the number of Tasers issued to officers. Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe suggested equipping every police car with a Taser for faster deployment, following the stabbing of four officers in Harrow.
Currently, only specially trained officers carry Tasers, which critics say can delay response times. Hogan-Howe stated on LBC Radio that having more availability is essential, but the extent of distribution requires discussion with the Metropolitan Police Authority and the mayor's office.
Amnesty argued that over 2,000 officers already have Tasers, questioning why they weren't deployed in the Harrow incident. They warned against rash decisions, noting that Tasers are potentially lethal and should only be used in life-threatening situations by highly trained officers.
Solicitor Sophie Khan, who has represented Taser victims, called the devices unsafe and the expansion an overreaction. However, Paul McKeever of the Police Federation noted growing support among officers for wider Taser availability, citing officer and public protection.
Liberal Democrat London Assembly member Dee Doocey expressed concern that widespread Taser use could damage the reputation of the unarmed police service. The Met confirmed a review of Taser availability is ongoing.
