Taser Trial Update

New Zealand Police National News Release

20 September 2006

There have been a total of 11 instances where the taser has been drawn since the trial began on September 1.

The taser has been discharged once, which was at an incident in Western Springs which has already been reported.

The taser has been presented and the tactic known as laser painting used eight times.

The taser has been taken out of the holster as a preliminary, prudent precautionary measure on two other occasions.

The incidents of the taser being drawn other than the four previously reported:

Sunday 17th September - police attended a job in Avondale on Sunday afternoon after reports were received of fighting and a firearm being presented. The taser was momentarily taken from the holster as a preliminary, prudent precautionary measure. The incident was resolved without presentation or use of the taser.

Thursday 14th September - the taser was presented momentarily at the occupants of a vehicle which had been the subject of a police pursuit - Counties Manukau district.

Sunday 10th September - the tactic of laser painting was used to disarm a man in possession of an offensive weapon. He was arrested and charged with possession of an offensive weapon - Counties Manukau District.

Saturday 9th September - the tactic of laser painting was used to disarm a man in the process of harming himself with a knife - Auckland City District.

Thursday 7th September - the tactic of laser painting was used on occupants of a car after they refused to exit the vehicle. The vehicle was stopped after reports of a carjacking involving firearms.

Wednesday 6th September - police were called to an incident involving a male harming himself with a knife. The tactic of laser painting was used. The incident was resolved without further injury to the man and he was taken to hospital - Auckland City District.

Monday 4th September - police were called to a dispute between two men at a service station in Manurewa. The tactic of laser painting was used on a man who was armed with a wheel brace and threatening the other man at the scene. He was immediately compliant and was arrested.

ENDS

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