Police Scotland invests £1.7 million in Tasers as officer assaults rise

Police Scotland is spending £1.7 million to replenish Taser supplies due to a rise in assaults on officers. In the first half of 2024, there were 3,815 attacks, averaging 20 per day, which is above the five-year average. Currently, about 2,000 officers are trained to use Tasers, up from 500 in 2021. The increase in Taser use follows calls for all officers to carry them for safety, as assaults on police have become more frequent. In 2023/24, Tasers were deployed in 3,017 incidents, with 88 discharges. Police Scotland emphasizes that Taser use is based on the specific circumstances of each incident to ensure safety for officers and the public.