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Police: Weapons

Volume 486: debated on Thursday 15 January 2009

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which weapons are available for use by police forces; and how many of each type are available to each force. (247696)

Weapons deployed by forces are an operational matter for chief officers. The Home Office Scientific Development Branch maintains a database, on behalf of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), of firearms and ammunition used by authorised firearms officers in the 43 forces in England and Wales. The Attenuated Energy projectile is also available for use by police forces, and Tasers are available for use by authorised firearms officers and specially trained units in line with ACPO Policy and Guidance. Forces also deploy incapacitant spray—both CS and PAVA based—and batons.