Taser used in Whakatane to resolve dangerous situation

The ability of Taser devices to safely diffuse potentially dangerous situations was proven last night when Whakatane Police successfully subdued a violent male whilst attending a domestic related incident.

Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander, Inspector Sandra Venables, says Whakatane Police were called to an address where a man was being aggressive and damaging property.

He refused all requests to stop his violent behaviour and was then successfully subdued with the taser.

"The Police officers attending the incident were equipped with a taser device. This is standard operating procedure when staff are attending an incident where there is a concern of violence.

"This is the first incident in the Eastern Bay of Plenty Police area where a taser has been discharged. 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.

"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. On this occasion the offender was unwilling to calm down and to comply with the directions being given to him and that is why the taser was discharged."

This had an immediate effect, so that staff were then able to arrest him and transport him to the station for processing in a safe manner for all persons involved. A 45 year old male will be appearing before the Whakatane court charged with disorderly offences.

Inspector Venables says staff trained in the use of taser have been through a robust training programme and there are also comprehensive systems and processes in place about the use of taser.

"Tasers are an important tactical option that help us save lives, including those of Police, offenders and innocent members of the public."