I was recently at a demonstration by Northern Constabulary of the Taser, which is to be available for use as a less lethal option where police officers find themselves in a situation where there is a likelihood of danger to life or serious injury being caused to themselves or members of the public. Unfortunately such situations are becoming more frequent with the increase in people carrying, and using, knives, needles and even crossbows or guns. As a society, we not only ask, but indeed require, police officers to go into such potentially lethal situations and it is only right and proper that we allow them to use the best tools for the job. It is in light of this, that Taser will now be used in the Highlands.

The name itself comes from the title of an adventure story, “Thomas A Swift’s Electric Rifle”, and is an American invention. It has been used throughout the States and also by various police forces in the UK for some time. We now have the latest version.

It is a big yellow pistol, which rather looks like something Dan Dare would have used. It is obviously different to look at from a hand gun. It works by firing two barbs attached to wires down which a voltage of 50,000 volts passes. This may sound dangerous but the power used is even less than a Christmas tree light. There have been no recorded deaths in the whole time Taser has been used. The effect upon the person “shot” by Taser is that his muscles go into spasm and he falls down immediately. He can then be rushed, disarmed and brought under control. The effect stops once the current is turned off, which in normal use will be only for 5 seconds.

This may sound very dramatic, but it has to be remembered that it is only being used in extreme situations where life is being put at risk by his conduct. It has to be much better than shooting him. Innocent members of the public die in shootings. You only have to remember the alleged underground bomber or the Scot in London carrying home the repaired table leg.

However Northern, like the other police forces using Taser, are not going to use it lightly. It is a gun, classified as such under the Firearms Act, and will only be used by authorised and trained firearms officers and then only on the express authority given for the particular occasion by an officer of Superintendent rank or above.

Perhaps more interestingly, it will not have to be actually fired to get the individual to stop his threatening action. That is because it has a laser in it, which puts a visible red light dot on its target. The Man from U.N.C.L.E. did it first! Thus the individual, having been shouted to that the policeman facing him is armed with Taser, next sees a red dot on his chest. Apparently that has been enough for 85% of cases where Taser has been “used”.

I finish with another true court report. The accused was put on oath to give evidence in his own defence and his solicitor reminded him he had to tell the truth. His response? “Do you want me to tell the truth or what we spoke about before the trial?” Some solicitors work very hard to bring the rest of us down.