Tasers used nine times in first year, police say

Stun guns were used just nine times in their first year of use, with many criminals surrendering before they were fired, police say.

The weapons, which paralyse people with a 50,000 volt electrical pulse delivered through metal barbs, were introduced in December 2008 following a nine-month trial period, The Dominion Post reported.

They were presented more in their first year of use than in the trial period, but were fired 50 per cent less, police figures showed.

Incidents in which they were fired included a man who had stabbed a taxi driver in the neck with a screwdriver and stolen his car, a man who dragged people from their cars and threatened police with a kitchen knife, and a man who stabbed himself with a samurai sword and held it in a fighting stance when confronted by police.

Police operation support manager Jason Ross said the figures showed people were surrendering to police when the weapon was presented or when its laser sight was trained on them.

"Maybe people are becoming aware of the fact of its effectiveness," he said.

Critics who opposed the rollout said the guns could cause physical harm, but so far there had been no known side-effects.

Police Association president Greg O'Connor said misinformation from critics may have worked in the police's favour.

"People think the consequences of the Taser are worse than in reality they're likely to be."

Police throughout New Zealand would soon have access to 681 Taser guns, and more than 3500 frontline staff would be trained to use them from March.

- NZPA