This Is Guernsey

By Nick Mann

GUERNSEY has been prevented from buying new cartridges for its Tasers. The UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office has stopped Guernsey from importing cartridges because it is not on an approved list of arms traders.

Taser, an electroshock weapon which has been used once in the island, is a key tool in the police’s armoury. If the restriction is not lifted, officers could be left unable to use the device next year. Jersey has also been stopped from buying Taser ammunition.

The problem centres on a UK ministerial statement made 10 years ago by Robin Cook which stated that Britain would not export weapons of torture or mass destruction - and the stun guns were included in that.

‘We have Tasers, we can use them, but we’re thinking of the future,’ said Home minister Geoff Mahy.

‘We need replacement ammunition to allow staff to train and to use them when the current stock of ammunition runs out. We have surplus for a year, but we don’t want to be in a situation where we have run out.’

High-level meetings have taken place in Westminster and Chief Minister Mike Torode has also written to officials to try to resolve the problem.

Deputy Mahy went to the Ministry of Justice with head of constitutional affairs David Robilliard and chief of police George Le Page last month. Representatives from Jersey and Gibraltar were also there.

‘We had a good meeting with representatives from the ministry and Foreign and Commonwealth Office, who will put our case forward,’ said Deputy Mahy.

‘They also suggested we write to the minister in England,’ he said. ‘We feel it is a useful tool for police officers. In Guernsey they would be used only by fully trained firearms officers - in England they are available to a large proportion of police officers.’

Deputy Mahy said the FCO was worried that Tasers and cartridges would fall into the wrong hands, but said there was strict control in Guernsey.

Tasers were introduced locally following a review by Sir Ronnie Flanagan, HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary.

‘We were allowed to use Taser under licence but when additional cartridges have been sought, we have been told we shouldn’t have been given the licence,’ said Deputy Torode, who was Home minister when Tasers were introduced.

The Isle of Man is not considered an export area by the UK so can buy Tasers and cartridges.

‘Negotiations are going on at the highest level in the UK Government to try and get a change in what was brought about simply by a ministerial statement.’

Deputy Torode has also been in touch with Sir Ronnie to make representations on Guernsey’s behalf.

‘It’s grinding on quite slowly, but at least I’m confident it’s going forward.’