Essex Police begins rollout of new Taser 10 as 665 officers receive specialist training
New device offers officers greater flexibility when dealing with violent and high-risk incidents
Hundreds of frontline Essex Police officers are being trained to use a new generation of Taser designed to give them more options when responding to violent or potentially dangerous incidents.
The force is introducing the Axon Taser 10 (T10), which was approved for use by police forces across the UK by the Home Secretary in October 2025.
As part of the rollout, 665 frontline Essex Police officers are receiving training in the safe, effective and proportionate use of the new device. Armed officers within the Force Support Unit and at Stansted Airport will also be trained to use the T10.
The new device will eventually replace Essex Police's existing Taser X2s. The older devices will be phased out as officers complete their annual refresher training, while newly trained Taser officers will automatically receive training to carry and use the T10.
Taser use across Essex
Taser is an energy device that can temporarily affect a person's neuromuscular system, allowing officers to bring potentially dangerous situations under control.
It is one of several tactical options available to police when dealing with violence, threats or incidents involving significant risk.
Figures from Essex Police show that officers deployed Taser 161 times between 1 January and 31 July 2026. In 30 of those incidents, the device was discharged.
The figures demonstrate that many Taser deployments are resolved without the device being discharged, with officers able to use it as part of efforts to de-escalate potentially dangerous situations.
The force says Taser can help protect members of the public, officers and people involved in incidents where there is a risk of violence or serious harm.
Safeguards remain in place
Essex Police says the safeguards governing Taser use have not changed following the introduction of the T10.
Strict national and local policies continue to govern when and how officers can deploy the device, while deployment statistics are published regularly.
The data records each stage of a Taser deployment, including when the device is drawn, aimed, used as a warning, activated through its laser sight, discharged or subjected to additional electrical cycles.
When an officer draws a Taser, their body-worn video camera is automatically activated.
A significant number of deployments are also reviewed by specially trained officers to ensure the device has been used lawfully, appropriately and proportionately.
Essex Police currently has 665 trained Taser officers operating across communities in the county.
The number of officers equipped to carry Taser is determined through an annual threat assessment, which considers a range of operational and risk-related factors.
What is different about the Taser 10?
The T10 includes several features intended to give officers greater flexibility when dealing with violent or high-risk situations.
One of the key additions is a high-intensity 1,000-lumen warning light. The feature is designed to help officers deter threats and de-escalate incidents without necessarily having to discharge the device.
Other changes include:
Greater operational capability: Officers can deploy up to 10 individually targeted probes without reloading. The previous Taser X2 could be fired twice before it needed to be reloaded.
Improved accuracy and range: Enhancements to the device are intended to give officers more options when responding to dangerous situations, potentially helping to reduce the risk of injury to members of the public, officers and suspects.
Reduced administration: Automated data downloads mean officers no longer need to manually extract information from the device, freeing up time for frontline policing and investigations.
Essex Police says the introduction of the T10 is intended to provide officers with additional tactical options while maintaining the existing safeguards and oversight surrounding Taser use.
Chief Inspector Julia Finch said:
"Our officers regularly deal with unpredictable and potentially dangerous situations where they must make quick decisions to protect the public and catch criminals.
"The Taser 10 gives them an enhanced capability when responding to those incidents and provides additional options to bring situations under control safely and proportionately.
"Taser is an important policing tool, but it is also one that is subject to significant scrutiny.
“Every officer receives extensive training, every deployment is recorded, and our use of Taser is governed by strict national guidance.
"Our aim is always to resolve incidents safely, minimise harm and protect the communities we serve.
“The introduction of the Taser 10 will help us continue doing exactly that."