Kent's police and crime commissioner (PCC) says he "does not agree" with a call for a review on Taser training following concerns over the way the weapon has been used.

His comments come after the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) wrote to the College of Police and National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) calling for a review following concerns raised by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

Martin Underhill, PCC for Dorset and the APCC lead on use of force, said: “It is clear there are concerns at police use of Taser in contentious circumstances, including in relation to levels of disproportionality with BAME [Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic] communities.

"PCCs are responsible for holding their chief constables to account for the effectiveness and efficiency of policing across all communities and this includes their use of Taser."

But Kent PCC Matthew Scott has hit back.

He tweeted: "Taser is a vital tool that helps keep police and the public safe, has robust training and effective scrutiny locally.

"I supported Kent’s chief constable to role it out to all frontline officers who want one and pass the training.

"I don’t agree with this supposed 'APCC position'."

Earlier this week, IOPC director general Michael Lockwood flagged up the issues.

He said: "The IOPC recognises that the use of Taser is important in helping officers respond to often dangerous and challenging situations. However, more officers are now carrying Taser and there are growing concerns both locally and nationally about its disproportionate use against black men and those with mental health issues.

“Robust oversight of cases involving Taser is essential for maintaining public confidence in the police use of this kind of force. We need transparency around how and when it is used, and a visible demonstration that police forces are learning from their experiences of using it.

“While the IOPC has a role to investigate the most serious matters involving Taser, police and crime commissioners also have an important role in providing community assurance about scrutiny of Taser use.”

Kent PCC Matthew Scott is supported by the Police Federation, which represents rank and file officers.

Its conduct and performance lead, Phill Matthews, said: “We do not recognise and disagree there is a disproportionate use of Taser against BAME communities or people with mental ill health – and we are certainly not aware of any concluded cases where an officer has been criticised on their use of Taser by the IOPC.

“But of course, we will wait and see if any recommendations or findings come out of its investigations, and if so, we will work with the IOPC to change policy."

He added: “We remain convinced that Taser is an essential piece of equipment which saves the lives of both officers and members of the public. We are very much still a country that polices by consent. And given the huge number of incidents police officers attend, the number of times Taser is used remains very small. The mere presence of the equipment is often enough to de-escalate situations making it extremely effective.”

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