Taser Single Tender Action

This decision concerns the purchase of additional Taser devices and cartridges to accompany the uplift in armed response vehicles in order to provide resilience to front line operational firearms officers with a less lethal tactic.

Without sufficient Taser devices available to front line firearms officers, a significant operational risk occurs, which although unlikely, could see an officer having to resort to using a firearm as no differentiated use of force would be available.

That DMPC approve the purchase of additional Taser devices and cartridges as set out in Part 2.

Introduction and background

The Taser has been an operational tactic available to UK Police forces since late 2008. The devices, which are licensed for use by the Police in the UK by the Home Office, allow officers to deploy differentiated use of force when faced by a violent or armed subject, where previously conventional firearms may have been the only alternative.

The use of Taser, although contentious in the UK is a worldwide proven less lethal option when compared to conventional firearms. The unique appearance of the device has anecdotally assisted officers in bringing violent or “out of control” subjects into a more compliant state without even the need to fully utilise the device. The availability of such a tactic has potentially saved countless lives on the streets of the UK.

In order to ensure that the extra firearms officers, agreed as part of the firearms uplift, are appropriately equipped, it is necessary to purchase these Taser’s.

Issues for consideration

The contractor has confirmed that delivery of the additional devices and cartridges could be in as little as 3 weeks, meaning the uplift capabilities and shift changes planned for December 2016 could be met with the appropriate kit.

Financial Comments

The costs of the additional taser devices and cartridges will be funded from within existing resources.

Legal Comments

The proposal can be lawfully approved pursuant to Regulation 32(2) (b) (ii) Public Contract Regulations 2015 which allows for a contract to be awarded without competition where the goods can only be supplied by one economic operator because competition is absent for technical reasons.

Equality Comments

There are no impacts or implications for equality or diversity resulting from this proposal.

Background/supporting papers

None