In response to claims that the Home Office is considering issuing UK police forces with the new wireless stun gun called the Taser X-REP, 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.”

The Taser XREP Extended-Range Electronic Projectile (XREP) is a capsule containing electrodes which can be fired wire-free from a standard 12-gauge shotgun or a new-style Taser weapon.

When the capsule hits the target, a sharp dart pierces the skin or clothing and a wire is then released from the capsule which will emit up to 20-seconds of the same intense and debilitating pain as the traditional Taser.

Oliver Sprague continued:

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

Amnesty International is particularly concerned by the 20-second default shock built into the XREP, given the potential adverse effects from prolonged electro-shock exposure.