POLICE officers on Scotland’s railways are to be armed with Tasers in response to the threat of international terrorism around the country.
British Transport Police (BTP) said the decision to equip a number of specially-trained officers with the device was a “proportionate” response to the current terrorist threat to the UK, which is still judged to be “severe” meaning an attack is highly likely.
The force claimed the case of Muhiddin Mire, who repeatedly cut the throat of a stranger at a London Tube station in December – claiming revenge for Syria – was evidence of the need for Tasers. Police at the scene used the weapon to stop him from attacking other passengers.
It later emerged the attack was due to acute mental health problems rather than extremist motivation.
Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Alun Thomas said: “This decision is not based on specific intelligence of any criminal behaviour or imminent threat, but will allow us the option to deploy Taser devices where, in the course of their duty, an officer needs to protect the public or themselves by using force.
“Recent terrorist attacks across the world are a stark reminder that the threat from terrorism is a genuine risk and it is important we keep our security measures and operational tactics under constant review.” He added the use of a Taser in the Leytonstone incident had “undoubtedly prevented even further harm to the travelling public.”
Chief Superintendent John McBride, divisional commander for Scotland, said: “Providing Taser devices to a number of our officers to consider when confronted with extreme violence means we are better-placed to deal with extreme threats and will be in the best possible position to protect passengers and staff on the railways.”
However others have raised concerns about Tasers being linked with a number of deaths. Human rights lawyer Aamer Anwar told the National: “Recent deaths have raised serious questions about the continued use of Taser. Far too often ‘vulnerable’ individuals die in police custody following the use of Tasers especially where restraint, mental health or drugs are involved.
“With the present threat levels at ‘severe’ one can understand why BTP would want tasers, but the jury is out on what was once described as a non-lethal weapon. The public have a right to expect that the BTP will ensure it is always a weapon of last resort which only ever ends up in the hands of specially trained officers.”
The Scottish Liberal Democrats said there must be “robust assurances” that Taser use is proportionate. Justice spokesman Liam McArthur said: “The BTP may be justified in taking this decision but the public will need to have confidence that the way in which it is implemented and its effects are being very closely monitored over the months ahead.”
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