Sophie Khan, Lawyer and Director of Legal & Policy of the Police Action Centre says that the Taser Working Group was able to highlight key issues of concern in the recent process to expand Taser availability in London.
Most importantly, PAC has welcomed the criticism that the Taser Working Group found that there was a lack of data transparency and information about the Mayor’s Office for Police and Crime’s own decision-making as to the roll-out of Tasers across London.
PAC supports the recommendations of the Taser Working Group, especially the recommendation that MOPAC and the Metropolitan Police Service must establish robust decision-making and governance structures for less-lethal weaponry and to allow for broad consensus to be built amongst local communities and other stakeholders.
PAC believes that the recent process to roll-out Tasers did not follow Home Office guidance, as there was no consultation with the public or information provided to the public before the roll-out of Tasers began. If in future there is a decision to further expand the use of Tasers across London then PAC calls on the Commissioner to engage with members of the public who he has been appointed to police.
Police Action Centre Press Release
Written by Sophie Khan
Tuesday, 15 October 2013
Notes to Editors:
PAC is the first organisation in the UK dedicated to providing free, confidential and independent advice on legal rights to individuals who wish to pursue an action against the police and an information service to members of the public and the legal profession on police action law.
The Police Action Centre, gave evidence to the Taser Working Group on 16 May 2013.
Met Police taser review
Work of the Polcie and Crime Committee
