Police defend taser use
POLICE have defended the use of tasers in NSW, following the death of a man in Sydney after he was hit with an electrical current.
The latest taser figures from the force show the use of tasers has decreased.
There were 881 reports of taser use by the NSW Police Force last year, a 23% reduction on the 1,151 incidents reported in 2010.
The reduction in taser use comes despite an increase in the number of tasers currently used by the NSW Police Force - 1,272 as of today.
Assistant Commissioner Alan Clarke says tasers play an important role in protecting police officers and members of the community.
"Tasers have proven to be an effective deterrent against criminals looking to commit violence in the presence of police, whether that violence is directed at a police officer or a member of the public," Assistant Commissioner Clarke said.
"In fact, in 70% of cases where a taser has been drawn, police have not had to discharge the device.
"The mere presence of the Taser has been sufficient in resolving the situation."
Assistant Commissioner Clarke said the NSW Police Force had clear procedures in place to ensure tasers were not abused.
"Every time a taser is used, the incident is reviewed by an Assistant Commissioner to ensure the deployment of the Taser was appropriate and in accordance with the guidelines we have in place - widely regarded as the best in the country," Assistant Commissioner Clarke said.
"Those guidelines deem that a taser can be used to: protect human life; protect an officer or members of the public from a situation where a violent confrontation is occurring or imminent; protect officers or members of the public in danger of being overpowered or injured, and; provide protection from animals."
