A Taser in its holster on a police officer's belt. The weapons have been presented 11 times. Picture / Mark Mitchell
A Taser in its holster on a police officer's belt. The weapons have been presented 11 times. Picture / Mark Mitchell
The intimidation factor of police Tasers appears to be working, with the stun guns having been presented 11 times so far but used only once.
About 180 police in greater Auckland and Wellington were trained to use Tasers before they were officially added to the police arsenal at the startof this month, despite protests from some politicians and anti-Taser groups.
Police data released yesterday showed Tasers had been drawn 11 times, with "laser painting" - highlighting the target with a red dot - having been used eight times.
In two other situations the stun guns were drawn from their holsters with no further action needed.
In most of the incidents there were weapons or suspected weapons involved.
The only time a Taser was discharged was in the arrest of an 18-year-old man in Western Springs on September 8.
Police said the man suffered minor lacerations from the probe contact but no injuries when he fell.
He was later charged with assault with a weapon, threatening to kill, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a knife.
Police have defended the use of Tasers, describing them as an important crime fighting tool in a situation of growing violence, but critics have called for them to be banned.
It was revealed last week that two police officers received minor injuries during testing of Tasers.
Green MP Keith Locke said he had asked Police Minister Annette King to reconsider the use of the weapons.
"I have written to Police Minister Annette King to ask her to reconsider whether the trial should go ahead in the light of this new evidence," Mr Locke said.
The Tasers are being used on a trial basis for 12 months.
