Northamptonshire's police chief sticking by plan to arm all officers with Tasers by next March

"Every officer has a right to protect themselves and the public in the most effective way they can," says Nick Adderley
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Northamptonshire's top cop has defended his decision to arm every officer on his watch with Tasers within the next seven months

Chief Constable Nick Adderley announced last August plans to make Northamptonshire the first force in the country to give Tasers to all its officers within 18 months.

And he says the extra protection will be a major boost to his officers following a shocking 50 per cent spike in violent attacks on police.

One terrifying attack caught on video during which a police constable had part of an ear bitten off while arresting a suspect.

Mr Adderley said: "Many uninformed people assumed that I made my decision to issue Taser to every front-line officer, based on a couple of tragic cases at the time.

"The reality is that I have been studying Taser use, impact, effect, consequences, deterrent and social acceptance since 2012.

"I firmly believe that this is absolutely the right decision and that every police officer has a right to protect themselves, and the public, in the most effective way they can.

Every Northamptonshire Police officer will be trained to use Tasers by March 2021. Photo: Northants PoliceEvery Northamptonshire Police officer will be trained to use Tasers by March 2021. Photo: Northants Police
Every Northamptonshire Police officer will be trained to use Tasers by March 2021. Photo: Northants Police

"I am aiming to have every front-line officer equipped and trained by March next year.

"There are some officers who would rather not have the responsibility of carrying a Taser — and I totally respect that as this is indeed a great responsibility.

"But a measure of success for the Taser is that it is never used.

"We have seen the severity of assaults on our staff decrease already and a more confident workforce as a consequence. Knowing the force ‘has your back’ is one hell of a boost."

Chief Constable Nick Adderley announced his plan last yearChief Constable Nick Adderley announced his plan last year
Chief Constable Nick Adderley announced his plan last year

Tasers are conducted energy devices designed to temporarily incapacitate targets with an electrical current.

According to the National Police Chiefs Council, the threat of using one will resolve 85 per cent of incidents without it being fired.

Louey Kostromin was jailed for up to 12 years in August 2019 after his shocking attack on PC Callum Burke at probation offices in Bridge Street, Northampton.

Northampton Crown Court heard how Kostromin became violent when officers arrived, grabbing PC Burke by the throat and repeatedly biting him.

The officer suffered a tear wound to the top of his right ear which required eight stitches and was left with a bloodied and bruised arm. A second officer was punched in the face, causing bruising.