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: A case study analysing how the national Taser training standards are received, interpreted and operationalised by specially trained officers

Abstract

The police use of Conducted Energy Devices (CEDs) remains an under-researched and under-evidenced topic of ongoing socio-political concern. This thesis answers an urgent academic call to address a number of gaps in scientific knowledge and understanding of this area. Particular attention is afforded to the current standards of training, and operational use of these controversial devices. This research aims to further advance the extant use of force literature through the exploration and analysis of ethically disclosed, operational CED use. Using a qualitatively driven, single case study approach, two quantitative surveys were conducted before a series of semi-structured interviews with fifteen Specially Trained Officers. The content and sufficiency of initial training is critically explored, as are the officer’s perceptions and interpretation of the pedagogical process. The results indicate that initial training is currently robust and delivered in the manner intended by governing organisations. The exacting standards are being applied broadly in-line with policy and scientific expectation but improvements are urgently required in order to better safeguard vulnerable population groups from unethical exposure, clarity is needed on the position of CEDs within the use of force hierarchy and officers could benefit from additional decision making guidance.

Date of Award	Sept 2017
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Portsmouth
Supervisor	Paul Smith (Supervisor) & Claire Rhodes (Supervisor)