Scots cops right to shoot 11-year-old boy with taser, watchdog rules

Scotland's police watchdog has ruled officers were justified in shooting an 11-year-old boy with a taser as he wielded a knife and threatened to stab them. The drama unfolded at Craig Tara holiday park in Ayr after the boy's mum had called 999 to report he was trying to smash the windows of their rented caravan.

Officers headed to the park, owned by Haven Holidays, on Wednesday March 22, 2023. Whilst making their way there, the officers were told the schoolboy was armed with a knife and threatening to stab family members and members of the public.

The incident was referred to the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) to be investigated by the body. The investigations report was posted on the PIRC website last week.

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It states: "During the course of the investigation PIRC Investigators obtained and reviewed statements from civilian, medical and police witnesses. They examined mobile telephone footage, briefing Papers, reports, documentation, telephone calls and Police communications, Police Training and Guidance.

"The officers traced the young male, who was in possession of a large kitchen knife which he refused to surrender. He repeatedly threatened to stab the officers and pointed the knife towards them while walking backwards and away from them.

"He was in possession of a mobile telephone which he said he was using to live stream unfolding events on a social media platform. In video footage of the incident, members of the public can be seen in close proximity.

"A Specially Trained Officer (STO) pointed his Taser at the young male, aiming red dots on his body whilst issuing verbal warnings of the effects of a discharge on him. The STO attempted to engage him in conversation along with other officers, repeatedly instructing him to drop the knife but he repeatedly refused to comply and backed away from the officers while swearing at them.

"The STO continued aiming his Taser at the young male, who backed away onto a steep grass embankment out of the lit area into the darkness of a large area of grass. He changed the position of the blade so that it pointed down from his pinkie finger which was interpreted by the STO as a "warning sign" for an imminent attack.

"Discounting other tactical options including the use of PAVA due to the windy conditions and the use of a baton due to the necessity of maintaining a safe distance, and taking account of the risk of harm or injury posed by the young male to the officers and members of the public, the STO discharged his Taser. This took effect on the young male who fell to the ground and was quickly taken under control."

The findings in the report stated: "Following investigation, PIRC found that officers should seek to maximise efforts to de-escalate such situations but, despite his young age, his behaviour demonstrated that he was a viable threat to the public.

"The decision to deploy the Taser was in accordance with the training, policy and guidelines provided by Police Scotland. In the circumstances, the action taken by the police officer was proportionate to mitigate the threat, risk and potential harm to the young male and members of the public."

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Our priority is always protecting the public. We note the Police Investigation & Review Commissioner has recognised officers acted professionally to keep the people involved safe during incredibly challenging incidents."

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