Taser / CED

Minimum service

2 years' warranted service as a constable in most forces. Some forces extend this requirement to officers currently on restricted duties, subject to PACE restrictions, or under live misconduct proceedings.

Fitness requirement

Officers must meet the force's minimum fitness standard (typically 5.4 bleep test level) at the time of application and maintain it. Some forces require a higher standard for Taser authorisation than for general patrol.

Assessment day

Covers decision-making scenarios (NDM application), written knowledge test, scenario role plays, and in some forces, a practical shooting assessment. Candidates who fail may be eligible to re-apply after a defined period (typically 6–12 months).

Psychological screening

A psychological questionnaire or interview may be required, particularly for forces where Taser is issued to specialist units. This assesses attitude to use of force, decision-making under pressure, and emotional stability. Not universal across all forces.

Line manager endorsement

Most forces require a supervisory recommendation confirming the officer's suitability — professional conduct record, operational performance, and absence of live misconduct matters.

4-day initial course

Covers: law and policy (authority, necessity, proportionality), NDM application, device handling and safety, marksmanship (range work), scenario decision-making, first aid for CED deployment, post-deployment procedure, and use of force reporting. Officers must pass all elements to be authorised.

Annual recertification (1 day)

Officers must complete a 1-day annual recertification each year to maintain their Taser authorisation. Failure to recertify results in withdrawal of Taser authority. Recert covers any legislative or policy updates, refresher scenarios, and marksmanship requalification.

Decision-making training

Heavy emphasis on NDM and threat assessment. Officers practise scenario-based decision-making — when to draw, when to red-dot, when to deploy, and when to de-escalate. The course is not purely technical; critical thinking is tested throughout.

First aid element

Covers post-deployment care: probe removal procedure, wound care, recognition of medical emergencies, when to call for ambulance, and special considerations for vulnerable groups (cardiac conditions, elderly, pregnant women).

NDM framework

Taser falls within the Use of Force strand of the NDM. The threat assessment (information + intelligence), powers and policy, options and contingencies, and action/review cycle all apply. Officers must identify: what is the threat? What options are available? Is Taser the lowest proportionate option? What is the risk of not acting?

When Taser is appropriate

Taser is appropriate where the subject poses a risk of serious violence to officers or others; where the subject is armed (edged weapon, firearm, improvised weapon); where other tactics are unlikely to be safe or effective; or where the subject is behaving in a manner that places them or others in imminent danger.

Alternatives considered

Officers must consider all options: verbal de-escalation, distance management, physical containment, PAVA/CS, baton, additional officers, negotiation, time. Taser should not be the first resort where safer alternatives are available. The decision must be documented.

Age and build

Extra caution is required for children (under 18), older persons, and those of slight or vulnerable build. Taser may not be appropriate where the physical risk of NMI (falling, head injury) would cause disproportionate harm. A child should not be Tasered where another option exists.

Intoxication

Drug or alcohol intoxication does not render Taser inappropriate — it may make physical restraint more dangerous to officers. However, intoxicated subjects are at increased medical risk post-deployment. Early medical assessment is especially important.

Mental health

A mental health crisis does not by itself justify Taser use. The subject must present an objective threat. Many Taser incidents involve subjects in mental health crisis — officers must balance the threat with the likelihood of distress, misinterpretation, and medical vulnerability. MH liaison should be sought where possible.

Barb removal

Probes should only be removed by a trained officer (if trained in removal) or a paramedic/FME. If probes are embedded near the eyes, neck, groin, or hands, do not attempt removal — the subject must be taken to hospital. Document exact probe locations with photographs.

12-lead ECG

A 12-lead ECG is required for vulnerable subjects — those with known cardiac conditions, pregnant women, elderly persons, those who received multiple cycles, or where the subject lost consciousness. Call an ambulance without delay in these cases.

Duty of care

Following NMI the subject is temporarily incapacitated. They may fall and sustain secondary injuries. Duty of care requires immediate physical support (prevent fall where possible), monitoring of consciousness, and appropriate positioning (recovery position if unconscious).

Custody handover

The custody sergeant must be informed of every Taser deployment, the probe locations, whether probes were removed, and any medical assessment conducted. The custody record must reflect this. The FME/HCP at custody must also be informed and must examine the subject.

Mandatory after every draw

A use of force form must be completed after every occasion the Taser is drawn from its holster — even if no red-dot is presented and the device is immediately re-holstered. The device logs the draw; the paper trail must match.

Red-dot recording

A red-dot presentation must be recorded on the use of force form. The record should state: why the device was drawn, what threat was presented, whether the red-dot achieved compliance, and when the device was re-holstered.

Full deployment record

Includes: NDM justification, alternatives considered, number of cycles, probe locations (with photograph reference), subject's condition, medical assessment arranged, and supervisor notification.

BWV requirements

BWV must be running during any Taser deployment. Officers should preserve BWV footage immediately after the incident by tagging it for retention. If BWV was not activated or footage is lost, this must be explained in writing. Non-preserved footage can be treated as adverse evidence.

Injury following deployment

Where the subject sustains an injury as a result of or during the Taser deployment (including secondary injuries from falls), this must be reported to the IOPC. The severity of injury determines whether it is a referral or a notification.

Vulnerable person

Deployment against a child, a person with a mental health condition, a pregnant woman, or an elderly person triggers heightened scrutiny and mandatory notification obligations.

Death or serious injury (DSI)

Where a person dies or sustains serious injury following or potentially related to Taser deployment, this is a mandatory referral to the IOPC and the force must immediately preserve all evidence. The IOPC will typically conduct an independent investigation.

Supervisor responsibility

Supervisors must be notified of every Taser deployment immediately. They are responsible for assessing whether IOPC notification is required and ensuring the referral is made within the required timescale. Officers should not make this assessment themselves — notify your supervisor.