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Scots police to be armed with new ‘super Tasers’ as violent crime soars
Police Scotland is planning to introduce a new, more powerful Taser to its officers from 2028, despite official warnings that the device carries a greater risk of causing serious injury. The move comes amid rising violent crime and increasing attacks on officers, with police arguing the upgraded weapon will better protect staff and the public, though campaigners and safety experts have raised significant concerns about its introduction.
The Taser 10, made by US firm Axon Enterprise, can fire up to ten darts without reloading, has double the range of the current Taser X2 at 45 feet, and shoots probes at 140mph before delivering a 1,000-volt shock. The UK government's Scientific Advisory Committee on the Medical Implications of Less-Lethal Weapons has warned the device's greater force raises the risk of deeper penetrating wounds and potentially life-threatening injuries to areas such as the skull, lungs and major blood vessels, with children particularly vulnerable. Amnesty International UK has criticised the rollout over inadequate safeguards, while the Scottish Police Federation wants the number of Taser-carrying officers more than tripled from around 2,000 to 6,500; Police Scotland says planning is still ongoing.
In short
- Police Scotland to adopt more powerful "Taser 10" from 2028
- Experts warn of higher risk of serious, even life-threatening injuries
- Amnesty raises safety concerns; officers want wider Taser rollout
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Police Scotland faces documented rises in violent crime and attacks on officers, creating genuine concerns for staff safety and public protection. A more effective less-lethal option—one that can be deployed over greater distances and with more reliable effect—represents a reasonable response to these threats and provides officers with a better defensive alternative to lethal force. In contexts where violence is escalating, upgrading defensive capabilities is a legitimate public safety measure.
The case against
The government's own Scientific Advisory Committee has warned that the Taser 10's greater force creates documented risks of serious injury and death, particularly to children and other vulnerable populations. Introducing a more dangerous weapon without establishing robust safeguards first prioritises operational convenience over public safety. The appropriate response to these concerns is implementing comprehensive oversight mechanisms and adequate training protocols before deployment, not proceeding with an untested rollout that could harm the very public officers are meant to protect.
Explained simply
Police Scotland is the national police service for Scotland. Some officers carry Tasers, which fire darts that deliver an electric shock and are classed as less-lethal weapons. The Taser 10 is made by US company Axon and can fire more darts, from farther away, than the model currently used.
Police say Tasers can help protect officers and the public during violent incidents. The Scottish Police Federation, which represents officers, has called for many more officers to carry them. Safety experts warn that the stronger device could cause serious injuries, while Amnesty International UK has questioned whether enough safeguards are in place.