Barrow: Police Employ Stun Guns on Average Once a Month

Barrow Police equip with stun guns have only been utilized once a month on average, according to new statistics revealed.

In most of the incidents, the weapons themselves were not discharged. Cumbria’s firearms unit boss explained that the employment of the self defense devices has becomes one of the safest ways to prevent a violent situation from escalating.

Not only that, but one inspector went on to say that the use of a police baton brings about the risk of a head injury, while a tussle could produce asphyxiation; however a single use from a stun gun quickly and effectively subdues suspects, providing officers with plenty of time to apprehend them.

Since April of this year, according to a Freedom of Information Request, firearms have been utilized six times in Barrow.

In other incidents, a self defense device was employed when officers found themselves threatened by a golf club and metal bar. In both of the cases, a traditional firearm was ready for firing. Additionally, another person was stunned from a stun gun after extreme physical violence was proposed.

When it came to west Cumbria, stunning devices were employed 18 times in Whitehaven, Keswick, Cleator Moor and Workington, since April. The reason for the higher number is down to the fact that there are extra trained officers in these areas, in addition to more gun being accessible.

Across the Cumbria Firearms Operations Unit, stun guns are permitted for employment on an average of three times per day. When a situation has shown violence or is violent, then as a tactical response officers get the necessary permission to employ their stunning tools; however if a situation suddenly becomes violent, then the decision is down to the trained officer at the time as to whether or not it should be used.

Stun guns have become very effective at putting a stop to someone from fighting and is a much safer route compared to hitting a suspect with a baton or fighting with them. When it comes to these latter options there is always a higher risk harming someone, which is avoided when a self defense device has been employed.