Police Scotland to deploy powerful Taser 10 by 2028

Police Scotland has announced plans to adopt the Taser 10, a new electroshock weapon developed by US firm Axon Enterprise, with deployment scheduled for 2028. The decision comes amid rising violent crime and increasing attacks on officers, prompting the force to seek more effective less-lethal options. The Taser 10, which costs around £1,000, can fire up to ten electrical darts without reloading and has a range of 45 feet, double that of the current Taser X2 model used by the force. The weapon fires a sharp-pointed barb at 140mph, and while the first shot carries no electrical charge, a second trigger pull sends a 1,000-volt shock through the target's neuromuscular system to incapacitate them. The Home Office has approved the device, and several English forces are already introducing it.

However, the adoption has raised significant safety concerns. The Scientific Advisory Committee on the Medical Implications of Less-Lethal Weapons, a government agency, warned that the Taser 10's probes have higher kinetic energy and momentum than previous models, likely increasing the severity of skin wounds and the potential for deeper penetrating injuries. The committee noted that areas such as the skull, lung cavity, abdominal organs, and major blood vessels in the groin, neck, and armpits may be at increased risk, potentially leading to more life-threatening injuries. Children are particularly vulnerable, as they may suffer puncture wounds, be knocked over by the force, or be hit in the face or head due to their shorter stature.

Amnesty International UK has condemned the move, arguing that giving police a 'ten-shot super Taser' without first strengthening the rules on weapon use raises fundamental safety concerns. Meanwhile, frontline officers, represented by the Scottish Police Federation, are pushing for a greater roll-out of Tasers, calling for the number of issued weapons to increase from around 2,000 to 6,500. Police Scotland has declined to discuss specifics, stating only that 'planning is ongoing.' The introduction of the Taser 10 reflects a broader trend in UK policing towards more advanced less-lethal weapons, but the balance between officer safety and public safety remains a contentious issue.