POLICE BRAINI have every sympathy with unarmed police officers facing violent and sometimes armed individuals whether deranged or just plain evil and being unable to protect themselves with a baton or CS gas. Using a Taser on such people seems a reasonable option and in theory I have no objections to every cop being so armed....but....

Thames Valley police for one are beginning a roll out of such a policy but, “A force spokesman said any officer could volunteer for the training, which would be something of particular interest to patrol officers. They would then go through a selection process as long as they were supported by their line manager. If they pass the assessments, they would be enrolled on the training programme, which will take place between April and October.” What interests me from the extract above is ....”if they pass the assessments”. And if they don`t? What would that indicate? That the person concerned has not got the right personal qualities or personality or profile to be allowed the use of considerable non lethal force? But s/he is still an officer who can be trusted to use the powers currently available without risk to the public being served? Where is the division between an officer being able to don the uniform but not be trusted with a Taser? It is well known that fewer than 50% of police officers want to be routinely carrying guns. Are trainees questioned on whether they wish to routinely carry Tasers? These are I believe interesting questions but the answers would be even more interesting.