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21/08/2008
Taser Deployed As PSNI 'Shock' Derry Dad
The NI Police Ombudsman is investigating the first ever use in the Province of the controversial Taser stun gun.
Months after being introduced nationally and locally, it has been revealed that it has now been used by police in Londonderry.
The powerful electrical 'gun' was used to subdue a father who had locked himself in a house in Galliagh with his two young children at about 3am on Saturday.
The PSNI said it was used "as an appropriate and tactical option to bring the matter to a safe conclusion".
A 37-year-old man was later arrested and the children safely returned to a family member.
The PSNI were given permission earlier this year to buy 12 Taser guns despite opposition from human rights groups and some members of the NI Policing Board.
Taser guns fire two wires which attach to the body and carry an electric shock.
Local PSNI specialist firearms officers were trained in January this year in the use of the controversial electric stun guns that hit a human target with a disabling 50,000 volts.
In London, where previously only firearms officers could use them - when confronted by an armed attacker - other units can now use the Tasers too.
In January, the PSNI Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde told members of the NI Policing Board that a pilot scheme had been set up here
However, the move was controversial as some board members said they are unhappy he was going ahead with the move before all relevant public bodies were consulted.
The Chairman of the NI Policing Board Professor Sir Desmond Rea said today: "I have requested a report from the Chief Constable on the use of Taser in Derry at the weekend.
"This report will be brought to the meeting of the Human Rights and Professional Standards Committee on Wednesday 27th August," he said, noting that a debate on the use of Taser has been tabled for the Board Meeting on Thursday 4th September."
See: Taser Gun 'Shock' Move To Go Ahead
(BMcC/NS)
Months after being introduced nationally and locally, it has been revealed that it has now been used by police in Londonderry.
The powerful electrical 'gun' was used to subdue a father who had locked himself in a house in Galliagh with his two young children at about 3am on Saturday.
The PSNI said it was used "as an appropriate and tactical option to bring the matter to a safe conclusion".
A 37-year-old man was later arrested and the children safely returned to a family member.
The PSNI were given permission earlier this year to buy 12 Taser guns despite opposition from human rights groups and some members of the NI Policing Board.
Taser guns fire two wires which attach to the body and carry an electric shock.
Local PSNI specialist firearms officers were trained in January this year in the use of the controversial electric stun guns that hit a human target with a disabling 50,000 volts.
In London, where previously only firearms officers could use them - when confronted by an armed attacker - other units can now use the Tasers too.
In January, the PSNI Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde told members of the NI Policing Board that a pilot scheme had been set up here
However, the move was controversial as some board members said they are unhappy he was going ahead with the move before all relevant public bodies were consulted.
The Chairman of the NI Policing Board Professor Sir Desmond Rea said today: "I have requested a report from the Chief Constable on the use of Taser in Derry at the weekend.
"This report will be brought to the meeting of the Human Rights and Professional Standards Committee on Wednesday 27th August," he said, noting that a debate on the use of Taser has been tabled for the Board Meeting on Thursday 4th September."
See: Taser Gun 'Shock' Move To Go Ahead
(BMcC/NS)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Some low cloud lingering in the north and west through the day, although cloud should burn back to the coast as the day goes on. Elsewhere some good sunny spells with very little cloud. Warm with light winds. Maximum temperature 22 °C.Tonight:A sunny evening for most except where cloud lingers along the north coast. Cloud will increase for a lot of areas overnight with mist and fog patches developing. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
