Recurring concern

Inadequate safety controls for Taser use

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First reported 12 Aug 2015•Latest report 25 Mar 2025

Definition

What this concern includes

Includes deficiencies in controls specifically dedicated to safe Taser use, including risk evidence and guidance, policy specifications, activation limits, deployment tactics, training, monitoring and related operational safeguards.

Not included

Excludes generic police training or staffing deficiencies not specifically tied to Taser safety.
Excludes general risk-assessment or communication failures unless they directly concern Taser use.
Excludes unrelated device, weapon or emergency-response concerns.
Do not treat the mere use or availability of Tasers as a safety deficiency without an identified inadequate or unreliable control.

Reports: 3
Individual concerns: 5
Date range: 2015–2025
Stated actions: 8

Reports over time

Reports about this concern issued each year.

* 2026 is projected from reports observed to 7 Sep 2026.

Most frequent recipients

Reports about this concern sent to each recipient.

College of Policing2

Metropolitan Police Service2

Home Office1

Concerns and responses across reports

Only concerns grouped under this recurring concern are included. Select any concern, action or position to view the source wording.

25 Mar2025
Inner West London
Concerns raised1
1. Inadequate response officer training on de-escalation and taser deployment tactics for subjects with mental ill-health
This report raised 11 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response 3
1. Action
  Embed de-escalation techniques and BUGEE conflict-management skills within PPST and Taser training, including scenario-based assessment of mental distress and vulnerable persons.
  Stated by Metropolitan Police ServiceStated completed
2. Action
  Operate a Taser-specific Community Scrutiny Panel and feed its review of incidents into officer training.
  Stated by Metropolitan Police ServiceStated completed
3. Action
  Review Taser activations through the dedicated Taser use review system and address use falling outside training or justification.
  Stated by Metropolitan Police ServiceStated completed
Respondent positions 1
1. Position
  Frontline officers, rather than communication officers, are responsible for awareness of force against black men with mental-health issues.
  Stated by Metropolitan Police ServiceRedirects responsibility
AI-generated summary

Oladeji Adeyemi Omishore · Prevention of Future Deaths report

This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

Report summary

Oladeji Adeyemi Omishore died on 4 June 2022 after being tasered during an incident involving police officers on Chelsea Bridge and then entering the River Thames; his medical cause of death was complications arising from drowning. The report identified concerns about the recording and transmission of mental health information by call handlers and dispatchers, and about training for responding officers in tactical options before taser deployment.

Read the report on judiciary.uk
Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation
Inadequate response officer training on de-escalation and taser deployment tactics for subjects with mental ill-health
Wider context from the report
“11. That training for response officers may require review in relation to tactical options used to de-escalate prior to taser deployment, in appropriate circumstances, given the increased use of taser in black men with mental health issues; and in particular, training in relation to deploying with taser drawn and pointed with accompanying commanding language where the subject may be suffering with mental ill-health. ”
Source location
Oladeji Adeyemi Omishore · Prevention of Future Deaths report
Page 5 · concerns
Open source report
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Embed de-escalation techniques and BUGEE conflict-management skills within PPST and Taser training, including scenario-based assessment of mental distress and vulnerable persons.

Verbatim wording from the response
“The foundation of all officer training begins with the Personal & Public Safety Training (PPST), which equips officers with essential skills in the use of force, their powers under the law, and de-escalation techniques. These are delivered comprehensively during an officer’s initial training and are reinforced annually through mandatory refresher sessions.”

Source location
Response from Metropolitan Police
Page 6 · response
Published 27 March 2025
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Operate a Taser-specific Community Scrutiny Panel and feed its review of incidents into officer training.

Verbatim wording from the response
“In 2024 the MPS launched a Taser specific Community Scrutiny Panel to allow Taser incidents and use to be viewed by a panel from the community and feed back into training. This has led towards the MPS being more transparency and accountable. The views of the panel are fed back to the officer. This is particularly powerful feedback as it informs the officer as to how a jury may perceive their actions and use, particularly when the justification has not been properly explained.”

Source location
Response from Metropolitan Police
Page 7 · response
Published 27 March 2025
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Review Taser activations through the dedicated Taser use review system and address use falling outside training or justification.

Verbatim wording from the response
“The MPS also have a comprehensive Taser use review system where a dedicated team review every Taser activation, any Taser use on under 18’s, at height, subjects running away, in custody, and over 65years. In addition to this the team review all uses on the Basic Command Units (BCU) each month (meaning each BCU has all their Taser use reviewed once a year).”

Source location
Response from Metropolitan Police
Page 7 · response
Published 27 March 2025
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent position was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Frontline officers, rather than communication officers, are responsible for awareness of force against black men with mental-health issues.

Verbatim wording from the response
“However, please note that it is more for officers on the frontline to be appraised and aware around use of force against black men with mental health issues than communication officers, who follow a Standard Operating Procedure when dealing with calls, irrespective of race/gender.”

Source location
Response from Metropolitan Police
Page 2 · response
Published 27 March 2025
Open published response
6 Feb2020
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly
Concerns raised3
1. Insufficient independent data on the effects and lethality of Taser use
2. Failure of police training to specify safe limits for the number and duration of Taser activations
3. Lack of understanding of incremental risk from multiple Taser activations
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response 5
1. Action
  Introduce transparency measures requiring recording and annual publication of police use-of-force data.
  Stated by Home OfficeStated completed
2. Action
  Provide College guidance addressing risks from repeated and prolonged Taser discharges.
  Stated by College of PolicingStated completed
3. Action
  Provide Taser learning materials covering discharge duration, repeated activations, medical risks, vulnerable people and aftercare.
  Stated by College of PolicingStated completed
1. Action
  Keep Taser training under regular review.
  Stated by College of PolicingStated in progress
2. Action
  Continue working with SACMILL so Taser guidance and training reflect current independent scientific evidence.
  Stated by College of PolicingStated in progress
Respondent positions 5
1. Position
  The Home Office and SACMILL are better placed to comment on the evidence and whether further Taser research is required.
  Stated by College of PolicingRedirects responsibility
1. Position
  Existing Taser medical evaluations, guidance, training and ongoing scrutiny are considered adequate to ensure police use of force is as safe as possible.
  Stated by Home OfficeExisting arrangements considered sufficient
2. Position
  College training is not silent on the risks associated with multiple or prolonged Taser activations.
  Stated by College of PolicingDisputes the concern
3. Position
  Existing College guidance and learning materials address Taser activation risks and align with SACMILL medical advice.
  Stated by College of PolicingExisting arrangements considered sufficient
4. Position
  Definitive guidance on the number and duration of Taser discharges cannot be given because influencing factors are numerous and varied.
  Stated by College of PolicingUnable to act
AI-generated summary

Marc Antony Cole · Prevention of Future Deaths report

This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

Report summary

On 23 May 2017, Marc Antony Cole ingested a substantial amount of cocaine, behaved in a paranoid and psychotic manner, self-harmed and was Tasered three times by police before suffering a cardiac arrest and dying in hospital. The report raised concerns about limited independent data on the lethality and incremental risks of multiple or sustained Taser activations, and whether police advice and training were therefore deficient or incomplete.

Read the report on judiciary.uk
Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation
Insufficient independent data on the effects and lethality of Taser use
Wider context from the report
“It was said by a number of witnesses that the Taser is not a device without risk but that there is limited data as to its effects upon individuals (both generally but more particularly in those classified as vulnerable). In evidence it was clear that there is no understanding about the potential for incremental risk with multiple Taser activations and no training provided as to the maximum number of activations nor of their duration which is appropriate or safe. The evidence was that the training given to police officers in this aspect is as set down by the College of Policing and that it is silent as to the potential incremental risk of multiple and or sustained activations (the so called ‘detention under power’). It was clear from the evidence of ████████ (an intensivist consultant) that a Taser does carry a risk – despite, he said, the claims of the manufacturers - but the extent of that risk is far from clear. Two forensic pathologists gave evidence and confirmed their joint opinion that the Taser caused (together with other things) Mr Cole’s death in that it played a more than minimal, trivial or negligible part. Although I found as a fact that the training given to the police officers was appropriate I did so ONLY upon the basis that it was given based upon the limited knowledge presently available. I am concerned, based upon the evidence that was led before the jury, that there is insufficient independent data as to the lethality of Taser use and that, therefore the advice and training provided to police officers may be deficient or incomplete. ”
Source location
Marc Antony Cole · Prevention of Future Deaths report
Page 2 · concerns
Open source report
Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation
Failure of police training to specify safe limits for the number and duration of Taser activations
Wider context from the report
“It was said by a number of witnesses that the Taser is not a device without risk but that there is limited data as to its effects upon individuals (both generally but more particularly in those classified as vulnerable). In evidence it was clear that there is no understanding about the potential for incremental risk with multiple Taser activations and no training provided as to the maximum number of activations nor of their duration which is appropriate or safe. The evidence was that the training given to police officers in this aspect is as set down by the College of Policing and that it is silent as to the potential incremental risk of multiple and or sustained activations (the so called ‘detention under power’). It was clear from the evidence of ████████ (an intensivist consultant) that a Taser does carry a risk – despite, he said, the claims of the manufacturers - but the extent of that risk is far from clear. Two forensic pathologists gave evidence and confirmed their joint opinion that the Taser caused (together with other things) Mr Cole’s death in that it played a more than minimal, trivial or negligible part. Although I found as a fact that the training given to the police officers was appropriate I did so ONLY upon the basis that it was given based upon the limited knowledge presently available. I am concerned, based upon the evidence that was led before the jury, that there is insufficient independent data as to the lethality of Taser use and that, therefore the advice and training provided to police officers may be deficient or incomplete. ”
Source location
Marc Antony Cole · Prevention of Future Deaths report
Page 2 · concerns
Open source report
Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation
Lack of understanding of incremental risk from multiple Taser activations
Wider context from the report
“It was said by a number of witnesses that the Taser is not a device without risk but that there is limited data as to its effects upon individuals (both generally but more particularly in those classified as vulnerable). In evidence it was clear that there is no understanding about the potential for incremental risk with multiple Taser activations and no training provided as to the maximum number of activations nor of their duration which is appropriate or safe. The evidence was that the training given to police officers in this aspect is as set down by the College of Policing and that it is silent as to the potential incremental risk of multiple and or sustained activations (the so called ‘detention under power’). It was clear from the evidence of ████████ (an intensivist consultant) that a Taser does carry a risk – despite, he said, the claims of the manufacturers - but the extent of that risk is far from clear. Two forensic pathologists gave evidence and confirmed their joint opinion that the Taser caused (together with other things) Mr Cole’s death in that it played a more than minimal, trivial or negligible part. Although I found as a fact that the training given to the police officers was appropriate I did so ONLY upon the basis that it was given based upon the limited knowledge presently available. I am concerned, based upon the evidence that was led before the jury, that there is insufficient independent data as to the lethality of Taser use and that, therefore the advice and training provided to police officers may be deficient or incomplete. ”
Source location
Marc Antony Cole · Prevention of Future Deaths report
Page 2 · concerns
Open source report
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Introduce transparency measures requiring recording and annual publication of police use-of-force data.

Verbatim wording from the response
“In 2017, we introduced new transparency measures, which mean that all officers have to record the location and outcome of all police use of force, along with the ethnicity and age of those involved. Use of force incidents, are recorded by all 43 Home Office police forces in England and Wales and reported to the Home Office annually. This data is published annually, the most recent publication was 19 December 2019⁷.”

Source location
2020-0087-Response-from-the-Home-Office
Page 5 · response
Published 20 April 2020
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Provide College guidance addressing risks from repeated and prolonged Taser discharges.

Verbatim wording from the response
“College learning materials and guidance do address the risks associated with the number and duration of Taser activations. Section 3 and 4 below set out the relevant materials the College has provided to police forces. They are in line with the medical implications and advice provided by SACMILL.”

Source location
2020-0087-Response-from-the-College-of-Policing-Redcated.pdf
Page 3 · response
Published 20 April 2020
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Provide Taser learning materials covering discharge duration, repeated activations, medical risks, vulnerable people and aftercare.

Verbatim wording from the response
“Section 4. Learning materials”

Source location
2020-0087-Response-from-the-College-of-Policing-Redcated.pdf
Page 4 · response
Published 20 April 2020
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Keep Taser training under regular review.

Verbatim wording from the response
“We would like to thank you for bringing the circumstances of Mr Cole’s death to our attention and we will ensure that our immediate and future work is informed by the events that culminated in Marc’s tragic death. We keep Taser training under regular review and we will carefully examine the findings of Mr Cole’s inquest to ensure learning continues to be reflected. The College will also continue to work with SACMILL to ensure that our guidance and training are always informed by the most up-to-date independent scientific evidence available to us.”

Source location
2020-0087-Response-from-the-College-of-Policing-Redcated.pdf
Page 1 · response
Published 20 April 2020
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Continue working with SACMILL so Taser guidance and training reflect current independent scientific evidence.

Verbatim wording from the response
“We would like to thank you for bringing the circumstances of Mr Cole’s death to our attention and we will ensure that our immediate and future work is informed by the events that culminated in Marc’s tragic death. We keep Taser training under regular review and we will carefully examine the findings of Mr Cole’s inquest to ensure learning continues to be reflected. The College will also continue to work with SACMILL to ensure that our guidance and training are always informed by the most up-to-date independent scientific evidence available to us.”

Source location
2020-0087-Response-from-the-College-of-Policing-Redcated.pdf
Page 1 · response
Published 20 April 2020
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent position was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
The Home Office and SACMILL are better placed to comment on the evidence and whether further Taser research is required.

Verbatim wording from the response
“In performing its role SACMILL has taken account of a body of evidence relating to the use of Taser. The College is not able to comment on the detail of the evidence that has been reviewed. The Home Office and SACMILL would be better placed to comment on the detail of the evidence and as to whether any further research is required.”

Source location
2020-0087-Response-from-the-College-of-Policing-Redcated.pdf
Page 4 · response
Published 20 April 2020
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent position was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Existing Taser medical evaluations, guidance, training and ongoing scrutiny are considered adequate to ensure police use of force is as safe as possible.

Verbatim wording from the response
“I am grateful to you for highlighting your concerns about the use of Taser. As you would expect, we take seriously your concerns concerning the circumstances of Mr. Cole’s death. We have carefully reviewed the processes and safeguards in place for the police use of Taser, including the independent evaluations of the medical implications of Tasers carried out by SACMILL, the guidance available, the high standards of training, and the ongoing scrutiny of the Taser use. I am satisfied that they are adequate and help ensure that any use of force by the police is proportionate, necessary and as safe as possible.”

Source location
2020-0087-Response-from-the-Home-Office
Page 7 · response
Published 20 April 2020
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent position was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
College training is not silent on the risks associated with multiple or prolonged Taser activations.

Verbatim wording from the response
“2.1: No training provided as to the maximum number of activations nor of their duration which is appropriate or safe. The evidence was that the training given to police officers in this aspect is as set down by the College of Policing and that it is silent as to the potential incremental risk of multiple and or sustained activations (the so called ‘detention under power’).”

Source location
2020-0087-Response-from-the-College-of-Policing-Redcated.pdf
Page 3 · response
Published 20 April 2020
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent position was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Existing College guidance and learning materials address Taser activation risks and align with SACMILL medical advice.

Verbatim wording from the response
“In summary, my detailed response explains that current College guidance and learning material address the risks associated with the number and duration of Taser activations. Our materials have been developed in close consultation with the independent body (SACMILL*) that advises the Home Office on the medical issues associated with conducted energy devices and are in line with their advice. The Home Office and SACMILL would be better placed to comment on the evidence base.”

Source location
2020-0087-Response-from-the-College-of-Policing-Redcated.pdf
Page 1 · response
Published 20 April 2020
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent position was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Definitive guidance on the number and duration of Taser discharges cannot be given because influencing factors are numerous and varied.

Verbatim wording from the response
“The point should be made that it is not possible to give officers definitive guidance on the number and duration of discharges, as the factors that would influence this decision are many and varied. We take the position that every discharge must be lawful, necessary and proportionate to the threat posed and be informed by the risk factors identified, where possible. However, some risk factors may not be immediately apparent to the officer, meaning that it is not possible to account for them. We reiterate the SACMILL position that Taser activation should be minimised to reduce risk, however it is not possible to eliminate all risk.”

Source location
2020-0087-Response-from-the-College-of-Policing-Redcated.pdf
Page 5 · response
Published 20 April 2020
Open published response
12 Aug2015
Inner North London
Concerns raised1
1. Armed Policing Policy failing to describe the effective range of a TASER
This report raised 5 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Respondent positions 2
1. Position
  Existing guidance adequately explains Taser maximum and variable effective range, so adding a prescriptive effective range is unnecessary.
  Stated by Metropolitan Police Service and National Police Chiefs’ CouncilExisting arrangements considered sufficient
1. Position
  A single prescriptive Taser effective range cannot be specified because effectiveness depends on circumstances including clothing, physique, distance and weather.
  Stated by Metropolitan Police Service and National Police Chiefs’ CouncilUnable to act
AI-generated summary

Dean Christian JOSEPH · Prevention of Future Deaths report

This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

Report summary

Dean Christian JOSEPH broke into his former girlfriend’s home, took her hostage with a knife and remained in the property during an approximately one-and-a-half-hour siege. He was shot by a firearms officer when he moved the knife to the hostage’s throat. Concerns included differing understandings of whether armed containment was overt or covert, the lack of guidance from a trained hostage negotiator for the first officer on scene, possible gaps in guidance about TASER effective range, and shortcomings in post-incident police procedures.

Read the report on judiciary.uk
Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation
Armed Policing Policy failing to describe the effective range of a TASER
Wider context from the report
“4. My recollection from the evidence I heard, is that the Armed Policing Policy only describes the maximum range of a TASER, not the effective range. The inclusion of the latter might be helpful. ”
Source location
Dean Christian JOSEPH · Prevention of Future Deaths report
Page 2 · concerns
Open source report
Source evidence

How this respondent position was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
Existing guidance adequately explains Taser maximum and variable effective range, so adding a prescriptive effective range is unnecessary.

Verbatim wording from the response
“4. In respect of the conducted energy device (Taser), the APP currently states that:”

Source location
2015-0319-Responses
Page 6 · response
Published 12 August 2015
Open published response
Source evidence

How this respondent position was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation
A single prescriptive Taser effective range cannot be specified because effectiveness depends on circumstances including clothing, physique, distance and weather.

Verbatim wording from the response
“The MPS and NPCC consider this guidance is clear and adequate. The maximum distance is dictated by the length of the Taser cables (21 feet), so this is the maximum distance at which the weapon has the potential to be effective.”

Source location
2015-0319-Responses
Page 6 · response
Published 12 August 2015
Open published response

Data last updated 7 September 2026

What this concern includes

Not included

Reports over time

Concerns raised1

Inadequate response officer training on de-escalation and taser deployment tactics for subjects with mental ill-health

Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.3

Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.1

Concerns raised3

Insufficient independent data on the effects and lethality of Taser use

Failure of police training to specify safe limits for the number and duration of Taser activations

Lack of understanding of incremental risk from multiple Taser activations

Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.5

Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.5

Concerns raised1

Armed Policing Policy failing to describe the effective range of a TASER

Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.2

Actions described in response 3

Respondent positions 1

Actions described in response 5

Respondent positions 5

Respondent positions 2