Fed: ACT Police to use stun guns

AAP General News (Australia)
08-18-2006
Fed: ACT Police to use stun guns

CANBERRA, Aug 18 AAP - Police in the ACT will be able to use stun guns, the service
has announced.

The Taser X26 sends out electrical currents which paralyse nerves and muscles for seconds.

ACT Policing has been testing the weapon since November 2004 and has decided to use
it as a permanent use of force in its Specialist Response and Security Team.

There will be six Tasers available for deployment.

"The Taser X26 had proven to be very effective in assisting police in the rapid de-escalation
of very violent or volatile situations," ACT chief police officer Audrey Fagan said.

ACT police took the Taser X26 out more than 400 times in the trial period, but it had
only been used eight times.

It was drawn two times, aimed four times and discharged on three occasions, with no
adverse effects on the subjects or police.

"Recovery from the effects of the Taser is instant and they enable police to safely
arrest and stop them from doing further harm to themselves, members of the public and
police," Ms Fagan said.

AAP kc/sb/goc/jlw/

KEYWORD: POLICE TASERS

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