Taser used on boy, 11, at Ayrshire holiday park
A police watchdog is looking into the incident
Last updated 15th May 2023
An investigation is underway after police used a Taser on an 11-year-old boy at Craig Tara Holiday Park in Ayr.
The incident happened on March 22 at 11.15pm.
In a video taken by an eyewitness, the boy can be seen holding a knife while surrounded by five police officers.
A high-volt Taser was then used on the boy, who fell to the ground in pain.
Watchdog on the case
A Police Scotland spokesperson has confirmed that an investigation is underway, saying: "Officers attended a disturbance involving an 11-year-old boy in possession of a knife at Craig Tara Caravan Park near Ayr around 11.15pm on Wednesday 22 March.
"The incident was resolved with no serious injuries. It was contained and there was no risk to the wider public.
"A Taser was discharged during this incident. As part of standard procedure, the circumstances of the incident were referred to the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner."
What is a Taser?
A Taser sends a 50,000-volt electric shock and is intended to incapacitate its target.
Tasers are only used as a last resort, according to Police Scotland.
Officers are trained to try to de-escalate a scene, using techniques like communication and negotiation, before using a Taser.
Tasers are only discharged in 15 percent of incidents, said the force.
More taser-trained officers than ever
In 2021, Police Scotland announced plans to increase the number of officers carrying Tasers from 500 to 2,000, in response to a rising number of assaults on staff.
The force has also invited reporters to watch how officers are trained to use the devices, including this video from 2017.
Johnny Gwynne, former Deputy Chief Constable of Police Scotland, said: "The Taser is simply another piece of equipment that allows the officer another tactical option to protect either themselves, colleagues or, just as importantly, a member of the public.
"It increases the stand-off distance between the potential assailant and the officer, allowing them to de-escalate a situation where somebody hasn't been persuaded by verbal instructions to desist or comply with the police intervention."