Express & Star comment: Tasers vital to keep streets safe
It is good to see West Midlands Police tripling the number of officers armed with tasers.
Indeed, many readers may well be amazed to see that all frontline officers are not armed with these devices as a matter of course.
On the region’s streets, our boys and girls in blue need all the protection they can get.
Undoubtedly, the force will face a backlash from some quarters about this move, with campaigners quick to point out incidents where the use of a taser had led to tragic results.
We have a great deal of sympathy for the families of those who have suffered.
But it is worth bearing in mind that any officers equipped with a taser are accountable, as they also wear body cameras.
It is crucial that tasers are only used when public safety or the safety of police officers comes under threat.
For the sake of public safety, officers who are faced with thugs armed with knives or guns need every possible tool at their disposal.
