Taser ‘bridges gap’ in tactical options

The operational trial of Tasers in New Zealand reflects an international trend in assessing less lethal weaponry and tactical options.

The importance of this type of organisational focus was recently reinforced by the Police Complaints Authority, Judge Borrin, in his December 14 report into the fatal 2004 police shooting of Haidar Ebbadi Mahdi in Pakuranga.

In his report the PCA stated:

“Currently in New Zealand there is no tactical option to bridge the gap between close quarter defensive weapons and the use of lethal force (firearm), other than the trial of one device (the ‘Taser’) which is being conducted in some areas.

“It is not the role of the Authority to express a view on that device but the Authority supports the consideration by the Police of non-lethal alternatives to protect the public, their members and offenders during violent confrontations.”