Historic First: South Wales Special Constables Get the Green Light to Carry Tasers
For the first time ever, volunteer officers in South Wales Police will be armed with Tasers. Two Special Constables and a Special Inspector are leading the charge after a recent law change finally gave them the go-ahead.
Volunteers Now Armed Like Regular Officers
Although Special Constables have long held the same powers as their full-time counterparts and respond to the same incidents, they were barred from carrying Tasers until last year’s legislative update. That barrier has now been smashed.
Jason Francis and Ben Johns are among the first volunteer officers to complete the intense three-day Taser training course. They, along with Special Inspector Jonathan Edwards, have been authorised to carry the device to better protect the public, themselves, and colleagues.
A Veteran and Volunteers Step Up
Special Inspector Edwards, a Special Forces veteran with 26 years’ service, has been trained to use Tasers for five years—primarily to train new recruits. Until now, the law stopped him from carrying one on duty.
“As volunteer officers, we deploy alongside ‘regular’ officers and perform the same functions. We face the same dangers, hostility, and levels of violence, so it’s heartening to see the law finally change to reflect that,” said Edwards.
“No officer is made to carry a Taser, it’s a personal choice. Operationally, it’s just another tool to keep ourselves and the communities safe. Talking remains our best tactic, but when force is needed, it’s reassuring that volunteers now have the option too.”
Chief Constable Backs Volunteers’ New Arsenal
To be eligible for Taser training, officers—both special and regular—must have at least two years’ service and have achieved independent patrol status.
Chief Constable Jeremy Vaughan praised the Special Constabulary’s dedication, saying:
“Our Special Constabulary is invaluable. These volunteers serve South Wales with the same courage and professionalism as regulars, giving up thousands of hours each year.
“It’s vital they have access to the same training and tools as the rest of #TeamSWP. With 114 Special officers on board, eligible volunteers can now choose to carry Tasers.”
“Tasers are rarely fired; their presence alone often calms situations and keeps everyone safe. I’ve long pushed for officers to be as safe as possible — and Tasers are a vital part of that.”
