21 December 2012

New model Tasers

| johnboy
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taser

ACT Policing will introduce video camera enabled, X2 Tasers to frontline Sergeants as the first phase of the whole of Australian Federal Police approach to bring greater accountability around Taser use.

The new Tasers will be introduced today and will be restricted to Sergeants who are supervisors on each shift. The new Tasers will replace the older X26 model, which did not have video cameras mounted.

Acting Deputy Chief Police Officer for the ACT, Paul Shakeshaft said the new X2 Taser model brings with it a range of additional safety features.

“The new X2 Taser model has an audio recording feature, a warning arc capability, a dual cartridge option and a high definition video recording capability that can be activated to record once the Taser safety switch is drawn, aimed or discharged,” Superintendent Shakeshaft said.

“When police are confronted with volatile and violent situations, Tasers with video cameras have the real potential to de-escalate these situations when activated in conjunction with a verbal warning.”

“These new features also assist in ensuring that the weapon is used in accordance with our strict guidelines regarding collection of evidence as well as an appropriate audit trail.”

“Tasers have become less-lethal and appropriate use-of-force option for police to de-escalate violent situations, and can be vital in ensuring our officers are safe while conducting their frontline duties.”

“There have been no recorded deaths or injuries involving Tasers since they were introduced in the ACT.”

[Courtesy ACT Policing]

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The Antichrist9:30 pm 23 Dec 12

lobster said :

Anyone who carries a taser has to be tasered as part of their training

Really ? And you know this…..how ?

MrPC said :

Wow, a new model of their favourite compliance tool. The police must be so happy that this new taser isn’t smart enough to upload its video and audio recordings via 3G to the local press immediately upon discharge (a feature that wouldn’t be too hard to add).

In an ideal world the only way that a police officer should ever be allowed to fire a taser is if they’ve experienced it themself during training. How many ACT police have undergone that?

You put a lot of thought into that response.

I would think that the people being tasered would not want to have their video sent to the media and would consider it an invasion of privacy.

Anyone who carries a taser has to be tasered as part of their training. Just like they have to feel the effects of capsicum spray before they are allowed to use it.

“In an ideal world the only way that a police officer should ever be allowed to fire a taser is if they’ve experienced it themself during training. How many ACT police have undergone that?”

And after that should they then be shot with a Glock just so they know what that feels like as well ?

As for the relaese of the video by 3G link, there are so many reasons, just starting with Privacy Act that may have someting to say with giving to the media without the checks and balances needed.

All uses of any uses of force by police officer are recorded and investigated.

Just for the record, I have it on very good authority that in fact nearly all officers who carry a taser do in fact get to experience the effects. They get this experience so that they are well aware of the pros and cons of the system.

Wow, a new model of their favourite compliance tool. The police must be so happy that this new taser isn’t smart enough to upload its video and audio recordings via 3G to the local press immediately upon discharge (a feature that wouldn’t be too hard to add).

In an ideal world the only way that a police officer should ever be allowed to fire a taser is if they’ve experienced it themself during training. How many ACT police have undergone that?

Antagonist said :

“There have been no recorded deaths or injuries involving Tasers since they were introduced in the ACT.”

I think he means there have been no deaths or injuries in the ACT involving the use of tasers. There most certainly have been deaths and injuries involving tasers elsewhere, completely unaffected by the introduction of tasers in the ACT. Still, I am happy to see steps being taken to ensure at least some level of accountability … even if we won’t be able to enjoy the re-runs on YouTube.

Yes I suspect they just mean none in the ACT.

I know on RA we like to convict in advance of any actual action but this is a positive step and hopefully will lead to more accountability. Lets complain about suppression orers when they happen 😉

It looks like a toy.

“There have been no recorded deaths or injuries involving Tasers since they were introduced in the ACT.”

I think he means there have been no deaths or injuries in the ACT involving the use of tasers. There most certainly have been deaths and injuries involving tasers elsewhere, completely unaffected by the introduction of tasers in the ACT. Still, I am happy to see steps being taken to ensure at least some level of accountability … even if we won’t be able to enjoy the re-runs on YouTube.

“The new X2 Taser model has an audio recording feature, … and a high definition video recording capability that can be activated to record once the Taser safety switch is drawn, aimed or discharged”

Does it mean we’ll now get full disclosure on usage of tasers by police, supported by the FOI Act?
If yes, then this is really GREAT news and well done the AFP for doing this!

They’ll hit it with a privacy and dignity ban.

As in it’s fine for police to invade your privacy and remove your dignity but don’t let anyone else see them do it!

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