Thursday 09 February 2012
Foreign and Commonwealth Office resolves unintentional export ban of Taser equipment from the UK to Guernsey.
The Policy Council and the Home Department welcome the announcement by Alistair Burt MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), to resolve the problem that has prevented export of Taser equipment from the UK to Guernsey. This will ensure that the current use of Tasers for the benefit of the community can continue into the coming years.
Tasers are a less lethal option available to armed police officers. The Guernsey Police's policy on use of Tasers is identical to its counterparts in the UK with emphasis on use of Tasers being proportional to the risk of the situation. However, unlike the UK, only authorised firearms officers can use Tasers in Guernsey.
The previous policy position of the UK had the unintended consequence of preventing the export of Taser equipment to the Crown Dependencies and British Overseas Territories. This meant that the Guernsey Police were left with limited stock of Taser equipment that had been obtained prior to this policy being put in place. The announcement made today will ensure that this stock can be replenished.
Deputy Geoff Mahy, Minister of the Home Department said:
"I am delighted by today's announcement by the FCO which will have a positive impact on public safety. The announcement is well timed to ensure the Island's police force can continue to use the less lethal option that Tasers provide."
Deputy Lyndon Trott, Chief Minister said:
"This welcome news is as a result of the work undertaken by the Ministry of Justice with the Island, and in particular Lord McNally who has worked hard to represent our interests in Whitehall. The resolution of this problem, in a way that meets the needs of Guernsey and the UK Government, is an excellent example of the benefit of working closely together on issues that impact both jurisdictions."
Contact information:
Philip Henderson, External Affairs Officer
Tel: 01481 717131
E-mail: philip.henderson@gov.gg
