Taser used in Rotorua to diffuse dangerous situation

The ability of taser devices to safely diffuse potentially dangerous situations was proven this afternoon when Rotorua Police drew – but did not fire – a taser in a situation where a man was threatening to harm himself.

District Operations Manager, Inspector Scott Fraser, says Rotorua Police were called to an address in Fordlands where a 40 year old man was threatening to harm himself with a knife.

Inspector Fraser says the man had previously been the subject of an Armed Offenders Squad callout in similar circumstances.

"The Police officers attending the incident were equipped with a taser device. This is standard operating procedure when staff are attending an incident where someone is armed with a weapon.

"Upon seeing the taser, the man immediately lay on the ground and surrendered to Police.

"This is the first incident in the Bay of Plenty Police District involving a taser. The safe resolution of a highly volatile incident reinforces the results that have already been seen in the earlier trials of taser in New Zealand.

"The safe resolution of this incident reinforces the effectiveness of taser as a valuable, non-lethal tool to help us diffuse serious situations without harm to Police, the community or the offender.

"During the taser trials, in most cases simply presenting a taser at an offender has been enough to diffuse the situation and achieve a safe resolution. This has been proven again here today.

"Ultimately taser will help us save lives, including those of Police, offenders and innocent members of the public."

Inspector Fraser says staff trained in the use of taser have been through an intensive and robust training programme.

"While the introduction of taser will add enormous value to our operations, it is also critical that we use it correctly and appropriately, and that our staff are trained to the highest level."

Inspector Fraser says there are also comprehensive systems and processes in place about the use of taser.

"These systems, combined with the high level of training staff will receive, means that members of the public can have a high level of confidence in Bay of Plenty staff and their use of taser."

The man is currently in Police custody and is being assessed by mental health services.