Police set to be permanently armed with CS spray
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Police are set to be permanently armed with CS spray after trial findings concluded that the device is a success. The sprays were issued to around 2,500 officers from 16 forces in England and Wales at the beginning of March. Police chiefs hoped they would help stem the rising toll of injuries sustained in the line of duty.
Opponents have argued the spray has dangerous side effects and has not been properly tested. In the first two months, sprays were used on 131 occasions and were drawn but not fired in another 174 incidents. A final decision will be made at the end of the six-month trial.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments