Taser training - a first for Leicestershire's Special Constabulary

Leicestershire Police is training a number of Special Police Constables to carry Conducted Energy Devices (Taser) for the first time, following a change in legislation.

The force is only the third in the country to train Specials to carry Conducted Energy Devices – the other two are Kent and British Transport Police.

The change follows the passing of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act, which means voluntary officers can now become members of the Police Federation.  This gives them the same protection as regular officers if the device is discharged.  Conducted Energy Devices use an electrical current to temporarily incapacitate a person.

To be eligible to carry a Conducted Energy Device, Special Constables must have achieved designated patrol status; have been patrolling independently for more than twelve months and have volunteered a minimum of 200 operational hours in the previous twelve months.  In Leicestershire, they are also required to attend additional National Decision Model (NDM) training.

Assistant Chief Constable Kerry Smith said; “I’m delighted that we are able to operationally deploy some of our Specials equipped with conducted energy devices. Our Specials are exposed to the exact same risks as regular officers and are a vital part of our frontline workforce.

“Allowing them to carry Conducted Energy Devices, if they pass the course, is a positive step both in recognising the skills and competence of our volunteer officers and further strengthening our commitment to provide our officers with a key piece of protective equipment if they want to carry it.  

“The devices are not a solution to everything but amongst the other skills, equipment and training officers are given, they play a critical role in keeping members of the public safe and reducing assaults on officers.”

Last week Special Inspector John Blagden and Special Police Constable Leigh Moore successfully passed an intensive four-day course – more Specials will be trained in the new year.

S/Inspector John Blagden said; “The public would quite rightly expect all Conducted Energy Device carrying officers to be trained to the same high standard and that's why it's important for us to be training with regular officers. The course is intensive and it's not how I imagined spending my winter leave from work but it was really rewarding."

“Special’s volunteer because they want to serve our communities and that means keeping them and us safe. Conducted Energy Devices are an important tool available to us when dealing with the threat from the small minority of people that wish to do harm to Police officers or other members of the public.”

“It’s a welcome addition to our equipment but for all that if I can help talk down a situation and keep my Taser in its holster then I'll be happy."

Chairman of the Leicestershire Police Federation, Adam Commons, said; “I’m incredibly proud that the force has been able to get Special Constable colleagues onto courses so quickly. This is another example of the value we place in them giving up so much of their own time to help protect our communities. Our Academy delivers a fantastic course which teaches you a whole new perspective on officer safety.”