Use of tasers against under-18s – putting the figures in context

Police use of tasers against under-18s has attracted widespread media coverage today (Feb 25) following the release of national statistics.

The headline figure shows tasers were drawn on around 400 juveniles nationally in 2013, including 52 in the West Midlands. On the face of it these figures can appear shocking but it’s important to understand them in context.

Last year the youngest person tasered in the West Midlands was a 14-year-old lad armed with a hammer, while tasers were drawn (bu