"An extensive review of the use of Taser within the Northern Territory Police Force was recently completed.
It considered training, use, recording, reporting, guidelines, policy and best practice.
Taser remains a preferred option to that of a firearm and is considered a less lethal force option.
In all circumstances requiring a use of force, Northern Territory Police Officers are trained to avoid the use of force, but where necessary, apply the minimum amount of force possible without compromising public or Officer safety.
During the first 12 months of Taser use by general duties police, the majority of use was in Darwin and in public places.
Taser has largely resulted in no injuries. The majority of injuries reported from Taser incidents have been Police Officers themselves who, following injury have been forced to use the Taser for their own safety.
The Taser has been successfully used to ensure public safety such as arresting armed and violent offenders on a number of occasions.
Taser has also resulted in the arrest of offenders on a number of occasions when its presentation alone has occurred.
On 30 September 2009, Taser International issued a Training Bulletin revising the targeting advice for the deployment of Taser on human subjects to reduce the potential for injury. NT Police have considered this advice and incorporated it into the NT Police Taser Use Guidelines effective immediately.
In addition, NT Police have provided additional Taser Use Guidelines to Officers in respect of medical aftercare following deployment. This means all offenders who are Tasered will be medically assessed.
While NT Police consider alternative electro-muscular control devices, there is currently no intention to change from the Taser X26 currently in use.
For operational reasons, the review of the Taser cannot be made publicly available."
Tasers were introduced across the NT General Duties Police in January 2008 following the successful testing and evaluation of use by specialist NT Police since 2003.
NT Police use the X26 Taser.
Media Contact: Katie Fowden, 8901 0281
