Fears over new wireless police Taser gun that can deliver a 500v shock from 98ft away

The Daily Mail
Sep. 02, 2009

Police could be equipped with a new wireless Taser 'shotgun' with a range of more than three times that of current models, it was revealed today.

The eXtended Range Electronic Projectile (XREP) fires a series of barbed electrodes delivering a 20-second, 500-volt shock up to 98ft away.

Traditional Taser weapons fire two darts attached to wires and have a range of around 25ft.

The new wireless Taser is shot from a weapon which looks like a shotgun and delivers a 500-volt shock

Taser International, which makes both weapons, said the new model is a 'revolutionary' step that will help police immobilise suspects from much further away.

But critics said the weapon could cause 'serious injury' to the target's head and face.

The weapon, which is already on sale in the U.S., is being considered by the Home Office for use by law enforcement agencies in England and Wales.

But Amnesty International UK's arms programme director Oliver Sprague said: 'We're seriously concerned about this latest weapon by Taser.

'This is effectively a shotgun that fires electric-shock bullets.

'Because this bullet can be fired wire-free from a standard shotgun there is a heightened risk of causing serious injury to the face and head.

'We're also concerned by the fact that these weapons will deliver an excruciatingly painful shock for 20 seconds.

'Amnesty would be very alarmed if the Home Office were to consider authorising this weapon to police officers in the UK.'

A Home Office spokesman said: 'The XREP is an extended range electronic projectile marketed by Taser International.

'The Home Office Scientific Development Branch (HOSDB) are considering it as part of their ongoing remit to evaluate new less lethal technologies against the Acpo Operational Requirement.'