Scotland Watchdog Calls for Police to Stop Using Tasers on Children in Custody
The Commissioner for Children and Young People in Scotland has urged the police to cease using Tasers and incapacitating Pava spray on children in custody after a review of police use of force on children.
Between 2023 and 2024, Tasers were used 43 times against children, according to a report from the office of the Commissioner. Of those 16 were children with mental health problems, 12 were children with care experience and 10 were children with a learning disability or autism.
The report also noted 262 cases of children being strip-searched while in police custody during the period. Children were protected with spit hoods and bite guards 148 times, including 32 times while in custody.
Empty hand” techniques, which are physical force without weapons, were recorded 1,313 times. This included 641 uses for restraint, 97 strikes and 539 takedowns.
Children must be treated “first and foremost as children” and police use of force must be “based on rights,” the commissioner said.
The report also noted deficiencies in police information. Information on children’s disabilities was not always recorded and most records did not contain specific details on age.
Killean made 21 recommendations, such as better data gathering, and an independent working group to examine police guidance and training in relation to human rights standards.
Police Scotland said force was used proportionately, legally and only when necessary. Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton said the force would take the recommendations into account.
Children who are in conflict with the law should have their rights respected and appropriate protections in place, the Scottish Government said.
