PCD 1638 Taser 2024-2030

PCD 1638 Taser 2024-2030

This paper seeks authority to purchase X2 taser/conducted energy devices, cartridges and associated ancillaries to maintain the MPS’s capability to uplift the number of Specially Trained Officers (STO's) authorised to carry Tasers up to 10,000. 

The Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime is recommended to: 

1. Approve the award of a call-off contract for 5 years to Axon under Home Office Framework for Taser Devices & Associated ancillaries to support MPS Taser 

Provision up to 2030. 

PART I - NON-CONFIDENTIAL FACTS AND ADVICE TO THE DMPC 

1. Introduction and background 

1. In 2020, Management Board supported the plan to uplift the number of Specially Trained Officers (STO's) (Officers authorised to carry Taser) to approximately 10,000. 

2. In order to maintain the strategic aim to reach approximately 10,000 STOs across the MPS, a further purchase of Axon X2 Tasers is needed to replace older stock and ensure training and operational levels through to at least 2030. 

3. Taser is currently the only MPS Less Lethal Weapon Option. 

2. Issues for consideration 

1. Axon have now given notice to withdraw the X2 device from sale at the end of March 2024, with consumables (cartridges and other ancillaries) available for sale until March 2029. In order to ensure MPS-wide continued Axon X2 Taser less-lethal capability, this paper requests an uplift of X2 devices in order to sustain the MPS less-lethal capability. 

2. Without the purchase, the MPS would have to consider reducing the number of STO's or reverting to the available devices after March 2024. 

3. As no new devices can be purchased after 31st March 2024, all existing stock would be out of warranty by June 2024 and subject to attrition without replacement. Device attrition is unpredictable beyond the 5 year lifespan but is expected to be approximately 175 -350 devices per year. 

4. The provision of tasers supports the priorities of the MOPAC Police & Crime Plan 2022-25, the case for an increased number of STO's, is primarily evidenced within the CEDSTRA, supported by the UK Police Federation to equip frontline police officers with Taser in order to protect the public and themselves: 

1. It remains MPS strategic aim to see 75% of ERPT's STOs. This is where the greatest individual & officer vulnerability and risk sits and will always remain as these officers respond to the most unpredictable incidents. The mean average of STO's on ERPT sits at 30%. 

2. Providing enough Tasers ensures complete geographical coverage. 

3. Reduction in injuries: NPCC Sponsored research shows that when a Use of Force occurs with a Taser present only 4% of officers and 9% of subjects are injured compared to 10% and 11% for open hand interventions and 16% and 17% respectively for interventions involving CS/lrritant. 

4. Supports the Commissioner's vision for officers to be well supported and well equipped to do their job. It also supports the New Met for London vision to deliver More Trust: Less Crime: High Standards.  

5. Increases officer confidence in the support they receive from their leaders and from their Organisation. 

6. Increases officer's confidence to deal with violent incidents. 

7. Increases officer's ability to confront violence and protect the public. 

8. Increases ability to deploy STOs on frontline policing and the ability to meet an increased demand for Taser as a tactical option on Aid.  

3. Financial Comments  

1. Pricing under the framework is set directly between the Home Office and Axon. 

2. Further information is contained in the restricted section of the report 

3. The costs will be funded from within agreed existing MPS budgets. 

4. Legal Comments 

1. This report confirms the value of the proposed contract exceeds this threshold and therefore the Regulations apply. 

2. The use of a compliantly procured Framework Agreement will constitute a compliant process where the Framework Agreement's ordering processes are followed. 

3. The MOPAC Scheme of Delegation and Consent ("the Scheme") provides the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime ("DMPC") has delegated authority to approve business cases for revenue or capital expenditure of E500,000 and above (paragraph 4.8). 

4. Paragraph 7.23 of the Scheme provides that the Director of Strategic Procurement has consent for the approval of the award of all contracts, with the exception of those called in through the agreed call in procedure. Paragraph 4.14 of the Scheme provides the DMPC reserves the right to call in any MPS proposal to award a contract for E500,000 or above. 

5. The recommendation can be lawfully approved on the basis of the information contained in this business case. 

5. Commercial Issues  

1. The existing framework, which is owned by the Home Office for the purchase of CED's expired in March 23. A new framework has been put in place by the Home Office. 

2. The framework only has one provider on it, which can be awarded via Direct Award. The Axon X2 Taser is a controlled firearm and only products approved by the Home Office DSTL can be used by police forces. The Home Office framework established a single supplier framework which is the only route that can be used to purchase these devices compliantly in accordance with both EU Procurement Law and Home Office legislation. 

3. In 2019, the Defence and Security Accelerator, on behalf of the Home Office launched a market exploration focussed on mature and near market solutions that allow law enforcement officers to safely prevent escalation of conflict in serious or violent circumstances from a distance between 5m and 50m. In 2020, they launched a competition to seek proposals for innovative technologies that were in earlier phases of development. No solutions have yet been brought to market which would be suitable as a less lethal alternative option for the CED. 

6. GDPR and Data Privacy  

1. The MPS is subject to the requirements and conditions placed on it as a 'State' body to comply with the European Convention of Human Rights and the Data Protection Act (DPA) 2018. Both legislative requirements place an obligation on the MPS to process personal data fairly and lawfully in order to safeguard the rights and freedoms of individuals. 

2. Under Article 35 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Section 57 of the DPA 2018, Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIA) become mandatory for organisations with technologies and processes that are likely to result in a high risk to the rights of the data subjects. 

3. The Information Assurance and Information Rights units within MPS will be consulted at all stages to ensure the project meets its compliance requirements. 

4. The programme/project does not use personally identifiable data of members of the public, so there are no GDPR issues to be considered. 

7. Equality Comments   

1. MOPAC is required to comply with the public sector equality duty set out in section 149(1) of the Equality Act 2010. This requires MOPAC to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations by reference to people with protected characteristics. The protected characteristics are: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. 

2. This business case has undergone initial equality screening. Due regard has been taken to the Equality Act's Public Sector Equality Duty. Real consideration has been taken to assess equality impact caused by the proposed business changes. As a result, no positive or negative impact has been identified to any individual and/or group safeguarded by a protected characteristic and those who are not. 

3. Equality and Diversity assessments for the deployment of Taser are already in place. The proposals in this paper do not significantly change the impact. 

8. Background/supporting papers 

None.