Opposition politicians and gang interventionists have cautiously welcomed the introduction of a 'stun gun' to the Police force.

As from this week, Bermuda Police Service firearms officers will also deploy Tasers when confronted with violence which could put lives at risk.

The introduction of the X26 Taser to the streets of Bermuda was announced on Wednesday by Public Safety Minister David Burch and Police Commissioner Michael DeSilva.

Yesterday, politicians and anti-gang campaigners gave their reaction to the roll-out of the Taser X26.

Initially firearms officers will carry it, followed by the Police Support Unit, but eventually one in three officers on patrol will be issued with the Taser almost 150 officers.

Mr. DeSilva admitted this week further deployment could follow.

"We will be monitoring the use and effectiveness of the device regularly to determine whether wider distribution is required," he said.

Officers are to receive thorough training in the use of the weapon, which is said to have a lower risk of injury than the ASP (Police baton) or Captor spray (pepper spray).

Research has also shown that Captor spray is not always effective on suspects under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Yesterday however, Pastor Leroy Bean of anti-gang mediation group CARTEL (Challenging and Reclaiming the True Essence of Life), expressed reservations about the Taser.

Rev. Bean suggested 'trigger happy' Police might use the weapon indiscriminantly.

"Its use could be down to an individual reaction by officers and I believe at some times, not all officers are on the same level," he said.

"My concern is they need more training, not just in the use of a Taser but in how to deal with situations on a psychological level.

"I think all officers need to take courses in psychology and social intervention."

He added: "But if someone is coming at you with a firearm, a Taser will not do much."

Rev. Bean said he was also concerned about the safety aspect.

Amnesty International has reported 334 people in the US died after Taser shocks between 2001 and August 2008. The device was said to have caused or contributed to at least 50 of those deaths.

The most recent figure reported by the human rights organisation is 351 US deaths following the use of a Taser.

Some studies however, suggest deaths can be attributed to secondary factors in a Taser confrontation, such as other injuries.

Rev. Bean however said: "You don't know the make-up of the individual upon whom you use the Taser. They might have a medical condition. Who is to know if they didn't have an aneurysm or another problem triggered by the Taser?

"So I have my reservations about them, and also some of the people with the Police Service who could be armed with them."

On Thursday however, the Police Commissioner said officers would follow protocols in the weapon's deployment, and training is to include decision-based scenarios. This demands they assess each situation and then make a decision on whether to use it or not.

Bermuda Democratic Alliance MP Mark Pettingill questioned whether Tasers would end up being used in everyday public order offences.

Mr. Pettingill said yesterday: "I do not frankly see how this (the Taser) will be of assistance to the problem that we have.

"We need specific programmes and a plan to deal with the crisis. If the use of Tasers is somehow incorporated in the clear plan of action, then I would like to see how it contributes to the overall solving of the problem.

"Using a Taser on an obstreperous drunk reveller will not address the gang problem and our concern is that this is likely where this type of enforcement will be applied.

"Raids on drug stash houses or arms caches, I can potentially see the applicability," he said.

Senator Burch this week said officers would deploy Tasers in "specific life-threatening incidents".

"It is anticipated that the implementation of Taser will enable the Bermuda Police Service to more effectively deal with issues where persons are threatening the lives of others or themselves," said the Minister.

Last night Shadow Public Safety Minister Michael Dunkley welcomed the Police initiative.

"We are on record when it was first announced (in February) that Tasers were being considered, as supporting the initiative and that support has not changed," he said.

"Tasers allow the Police to have another option in their efforts to make our community safer and help them in dealing with belligerent, fleeing or dangerous subjects.

"We are pleased to see the commitment by the Police that the officers will be properly trained and that a camera is attached to the Taser, as this will always allow a review of its use.

"Training and the protocol for the use of Tasers is critical to help avoid any issues upon use, as we note that in other jurisdictions there has been some controversy, which we must do all we can to avoid.

"Tasers are better than the Police shooting someone in the first instance and less likely to precipitate an escalation or firefight. To date gun violence has not been directed at the Police and we need to ensure that this does not change."

l Public voices favourable views – Page 6