Strathclyde Police taser trial 'unlawful'
17/05/2010
Amnesty says introduction of stun guns needs approval by ministers
A human rights body says
Amnesty International believes a Strathclyde Police pilot scheme to adopt the stun guns – which fire a 50,000-volt electrical charge to incapacitate - should have been approved by Scottish Government ministers.
Despite Justice Secretary Kenny McAskill’s claim the introduction of Tasers was an operational matter, Amnesty has sent McAskill analysis carried out by Scottish QC Aidan O'Neill, which states that Scottish ministers are required to give written authorisation before the introduction of any new police arms can take place.
John Watson, Scottish Programme Director for Amnesty International, said: "We now have proof that this pilot has been pushed through without due process and the Scottish Government should halt it immediately. The provision of firearms to ordinary officers on the beat represents a major shift in policing policy in
"Now that our evidence has undermined the legal status of this pilot, it must be abandoned and Scottish Ministers must take charge of the matter.”
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