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STATES OF JERSEY
DEPLOYMENT AND USE OF ENERGY CONDUCTIVE DEVICES (TASERS') BY THE STATES OF JERSEY POLICE (P.97/2020): AMENDMENT
(P.97/2020 AMD.) – COMMENTS
Presented to the States on 30th October 2020 by Minister for Home Affairs
STATES GREFFE
20## P.97 Amd.Com.
COMMENTS
Introduction
I thank the Children, Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel for its amendment to Deployment and use of Energy Conductive Devices (Tasers') by the States of Jersey Police' (P.97/2020).
This amendment, as well as the Panel's report, are the result of a robust scrutiny review process. I am grateful to the Chairman and Panel members for their constructive engagement in scrutinising this proposition.
I support this amendment and hope that it will reassure those Members who have concerns regarding making changes to the deployment and use of Tasers in Jersey. I, and the Senior Management team of the States of Jersey Police, welcome the opportunity to report back to Members after a trial period of one year as a measured approach to introducing these changes with an appropriate level of political oversight.
I note that the Panel, in its report to this amendment, make reference to a number of concerns it has in relation to specific data being lacking.
Whilst the Panel are correct in their assertion that some of the specific data it references is not available, States of Jersey Police have compiled some further statistics relating to Taser use in 2020, which may assist Members in their consideration of this proposition.
I hope that this will further reassure members that Taser usage by the States of Jersey Police is proportionate and safe and I look forward to returning to the Assembly with further data as requested, subject to approval of this proposition as amended.
2020 Taser statistics
The information has been compiled using the Taser forms which are completed by the officer after each use'.
The statistics reflect 45 uses' of Taser in 2020 (1st January – 27th October).
Of the 45 Tasers uses', this only translates to 29 separate individuals being subject to a Taser use' at separate incidents.
It is quite normal that multiple Tasers may be used' at one incident.
Of the 9 uses' on Under 18's, this translates to just 5 separate individuals at separate incidents. No Taser has been discharged at an Under 18'.
The information and graphics are based on the 45 uses'.
Key figures:
• Number of uses = 45
- Drawn = 20
- Red Dot = 22
- Discharged= 3
• Taser use on Separate Individuals (Total) = 29
• Taser use on Separate Individuals (Under 18) = 5 (Ages 15,16,15,14 & 13)
• Uses on under 18's = 9
• Uses on over 18's = 36
• Youngest usage = 13 (Taser drawn)
• Oldest usage = 66 (Red Dotted)
• White = 30
• Other white = 12
• Asian/Indian = 2
• Chinese = 1
• Threats to others (including Police) = 29
• Mental health indicated as factor = 26
• Self-harm threats = 17
Conclusion
It is my view that the States of Jersey Police have all of the necessary safeguards in place to ensure that Taser is used responsibly and to the benefit of the public.
However, this amendment is a measured and appropriate response to those who are uneasy about this change and is therefore to be welcomed.
I ask members to vote in favour of the proposition as amended.