Cops unveil the latest tool in their armoury – the taser

 Tasers will be available to be used on the streets of Cayman by specially trained police officers from next week.

In an effort to further improve public and police safety in the Cayman Islands, the use of the Tasers (colloquially known as stun guns) , which can fire probes attached to wires and deliver 50,000 volt shocks to suspects, will begin on Monday, 28 January 2013.

The decisions to use Taser was taken following a lengthy research and consultation process which examined its effectiveness as an option when dealing with offenders who are violent, or offer threats of violence, and who require restraint. This latest weapon supplements the existing RCIPS equipment of batons, handcuffs, pepper spray and, of course, firearms for suitably trained officers.

Taser temporarily incapacitates violent offenders and negates the need for officers to engage with them at close range, thereby reducing the opportunities for injury to members of the public or the officers. It is deemed a less-lethal device and provides a much needed option to bridge the gap between the standard equipment already in use and the deployment of firearms.

The RCIPS purchased Taser in September 2012 at a cost of USD 71,000. Five officers have been trained by Taser International to act as instructors for the roll out of the device. So far 59 (fifty-nine) police officers in the Uniform Support Group, Operational Support Unit and Cayman Brac have been trained in its use. The training lasted three days and taught officers how to integrated Taser with the other options available using a combination of classroom based learning and a series of role play scenarios. There are no plans at present to extend the availability of Taser to other departments within the Service.

Inspector Ian Brellisford, who is the RCIPS lead officer on the introduction of Taser and its related training, says that this latest safety option will make a real difference to both the public and the police in Cayman. “This device will provide officers with a viable proportionate response option when dealing with violent offenders. When deployed it temporarily incapacitates the muscles of the offender enabling officers to quickly and effectively restrain him or her before the situation escalates or the suspect injures  themselves, members of the public or the officers on scene.”

Commissioner David Baines says that Taser will plug the gap which currently exists between the conventional police equipment such as batons at one end of the scale and firearms at the other. “The introduction of Taser provides more options for officers and ensures that they can evaluate the required response based on the circumstances they, and members of the public are presented with, at each incident they attend. The key phrases for us are ‘public safety’ and ‘proportionate deployment’; I’m confident that the training provided will ensure that proper appraisal takes place and the correct level of response is used. It provides an excellent alternative to batons, incapacitant sprays and guns, particularly in confined areas where there may be a risk of injuring innocent bystanders.”

In addition, Mr Baines has also confirmed that a rigorous investigation process has been established to ensure that each use of Taser is examined in detail. “Taser Cam is a great tool. It automatically starts recording video and sound every time the Taser is drawn from its holster and aimed at an offender. Therefore, everything the officers say and does, as well as everything the offender says and does is available for use by the investigation teams, the Legal Department and to be viewed in the courts.  It is yet another step towards modernising the RCIPS and ensuring that we not only maintain a professional approach, but also present the best transparent evidence available to take violent offenders off our streets, secure convictions and maintain the safety and security of the Cayman Islands.”