RVIPF roll out TASER/Pepper Spray
Both the TASER and the pepper spray are being introduced to the Force as less-than-lethal options for subduing or restraining violent, combative and aggressive persons. Trained officers of the Tactical Unit and other first-response frontline officers including those attached to Beat and Patrol in Road Town and out stations will be the first to receive the new equipment.
Last October, ten officers received instructor’s training on the use of the new TASERS in preparation for the passage of an amendment to the Police Regulation.
The TASERS are equipped with video cameras that activate when the safety lever is in the ‘on’ position. The cameras allow for an accurate review of the circumstances surrounding any incident to determine if the officer acted appropriately and justifiably.
The safety holsters render the TASERS inoperable when being worn on the utility belt.
Head of the Police Armory Inspector Ernest Gumbs, who will oversee the dispensing and maintenance of the TASERS and pepper spray, explained that the Territory will now be in compliance with the provisions for Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement as is laid out by the United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (1990).
“The U.N. Resolution on the Use of Force and Firearms requires governments and law enforcement agencies to develop a range of options, as broad as possible, for equipping law enforcement officers to carry out their duties. These should include the introduction of less-than-lethal options for use in appropriate situations,” he said.
Gumbs explained that TASERS give officers an alternative for subduing aggressive, potentially violence persons while standing at a safe distance from the subject. The TASERS immobilizing and pain effects cease as soon as the TASER is turn off and only minimal after care is required.
“In a community where officers are generally unarmed, the TASER and pepper spray are welcomed addition to their list of equipment. Before TASERS and the Pepper spray, the only choices available were a metal extendable baton or a lethal firearm,” Gumbs said.
During the October TASER training, Commissioner of Police David Morris stated that he expects both the use of the TASERS and pepper spray to enhance his officers’ ability to respond to potentially violent incidences while at the same time reduce the risk of injury to police officers, offenders and members of the public.
“Our society, when compared to many other jurisdictions, is still fairly safe. Nevertheless, my officers from time to time have to respond to situations where they must tolerate violence from an assailant in order to either prevent further injury to a member of the public or to remove a potentially violent offender from a public space. Now, they have an option that restrains a suspect and at the same time reduces the chances of injury to all parties,” the COP said.
Officers were instructed on the very strict ‘use of force’ policy which applies to these weapons and the rules of accountability to be adhered to when these weapons are discharged.
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