Taser Uplift

The paper seeks to gain funding to replace the existing MPS stock of Taser X26 devices with the newly-approved X2 device, as Axon (the manufacturer) have ceased production of the X26. The MPS are seeking to increase the deployment of Taser by uplifting the number of officers trained, extending the MPS units that are authorised to use Taser and adopting national deployment modes to increase the availability of Taser across the MPS. The overall strategic objective is to increase the total number of officers trained in the use of Taser to 20% of the total MPS force strength.



The funding will purchase 2,700 Taser devices and associated equipment. The project also requires 19 additional Taser instructors to provide Taser Uplift and refresher training over a two year period, who are existing officers and therefore will not result in additional costs to the project. To support the implementation of the project, a project team will be set up, which will be funded from within existing vacancies.

The Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime is asked to

• Approve the funding for Taser devices, associated equipment required to deliver the Taser uplift capability and training at a revenue cost of £15.8m over a five year period.

• To approve that the awarding of a contract for the Taser devices and associated equipment is undertaken via the Home Office National Framework and following this;

• Delegate the authority for awarding of the contract to the MPS Director of Commercial Services

1. Introduction and background

1.1. The overall strategic objective is to increase the total number of officers trained in Taser to 20% of the total MPS force strength. This increase will be focused on availability within boroughs’ emergency response patrol teams, which will receive a significant increase in Taser trained officers (1280 to 3303 officers). In order to achieve the required effect, the MPS will need to procure new Taser devices and increase the number of Taser trained officers by 1867 overall. The net effect of all these measures will be a doubling of availability. There will be a very significant training requirement to achieve this.

2. Issues for consideration

2.1 The current Taser X26 is no longer being manufactured and no new units are available to purchase. A minimum number of serviceable units are required across the MPS to continue to deploy operationally. Most current devices are out of warranty or have less than two years remaining on that warranty. Repairs outside the five year warranty are the responsibility of the MPS and can be costly and parts may not be available or may significantly increase in cost.

3. Financial Comments

3.1 The cost of this project is at a revenue cost of £15.8m over a five year period.

4. Legal Comments

4.1. The MPS Directorate of Legal Services were fully consulted during this process and do not foresee any legal implications with the options proposed within the paper.

5. Equality Comments

5.1. Taser was first introduced to Borough ERPTs in 2012. At the time, a comprehensive engagement process was undertaken in order to secure the support of local communities for this change of policy, as well as informing an assessment of the impact on equality and diversity. This process included presentations at all 32 Boroughs’ IAGs and other community forums, as well as engagement with groups and organisations such as Amnesty International and the MPS Race IAG. The MPS ‘Firearms and Taser Reference Group’ was formed, which still meets regularly to scrutinise the use of Taser by the MPS. There are numerous monitoring mechanisms in place for Taser use by the MPS, which will remain in place as the uplift takes place.

6. Background/supporting papers

6.1. Report.