CRAE have published two briefings which provide an overview of children’s right and the use of taser and spit-hood by police. They set out the serious concerns over their increased use on children, the specific risks to children, the latest data and the disproportionate use on children from BAME groups.
Details
Despite clear recommendations from the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child that the use of taser on children should be prohibited and that the UK government should prohibit the police using harmful devices on children, because of concerns of its impact on children’s physical and mental health, use of taser and spit-hood is increasing dramatically.
The briefings cover the following:
- What international human rights bodies say about the use of taser and spit-hood on children
- The dangers of spit-hood and taser use and the specific risks for children
- The latest national statistics and London statistics
- Recommendations for change including the introduction of national guidance; improved training for police on the use of force on children; fully disaggregated data on their use including by age and ethnicity and better scrutiny and monitoring at a local and national level.
Commentary
Solicitors representing children at the police station and court who have had a taser and/or spithood used on them should consider these briefings and, where appropriate, may wish to advise their client on making a complaint to the police or seeking further advice from an actions against the police lawyer. Evidence suggests children are less likely to complain to the police about their treatment due to lack of knowledge or lack of trust and confidence.
Read the briefings here: