Tasers May Invade the UK Police Force

Ever since Scotland Yard was founded in 1829, the UK has made a point of ‘policing by consent’ rather than ‘compliance by pain.” A typical bobbie, the iconic helmeted policemen carries only pepper spray and a night stick. Now, however, the longstanding tradition could change as Tasers stun guns are being issued to tens of thousands of front-line officers.

For more than 175 years the largely unarmed force has kept the peace by the force of their authoritative presence. Paul Davis, a spokesperson for the federation, says, “We are still predominantly unarmed. But,” the twenty-five year police veteran adds, “If you look at the changing face of society, it would appear that more people are willing to challenge authority figures than they once were.” Tasers, he maintains, make it possible for authorities to honor the “right to life” non-lethal option when firearms might otherwise be used.

To no one’s surprise, Amnesty International and other organizations continue to decry the use of Tasers, citing unregulated discharge voltage as a possible cause in deaths following the use of the weapon. It is rare, however, for any court to uphold any culpability of the manufacturer in any of the several suits brought I such cases.

Bobbies got their name because as Prime Minister of the UK, Sir Robert Peel, 2nd Baronet, helped create what is considered to be the first modern police force. In Ireland officers are known as “Peelers.”