West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Simon Foster has today overseen the official launch of the Axon Taser 10 (T10), marking West Midlands Police as one of the first forces in the country to deploy the world-leading technology.
The rollout follows the device’s approval by the Home Secretary in October 2025. The T10 replaces the ageing X2 model, which has been in service for eight years. This new technology represents a significant leap forward in de-escalation capability, community and officer safety and public accountability.
Unlike previous models that held only two cartridges, the T10 can fire up to 10 single-shot cartridges without reloading. This allows officers to be more precise and provides more opportunities to safely control a subject without resorting to higher levels of force.
Furthermore, the T10 operates at an optimum range of up to 45 feet – double that of previous devices – allowing officers to manage threats from a safer distance, significantly increasing the chances of peaceful de-escalation.
The PCC has placed community trust at the heart of the implementation. Oversight is maintained through the Commissioner’s Stop and Search and Use of Force (SSUOF) Panels, where local residents review Taser usage data and body-worn video to ensure police powers are used fairly and effectively.
Simon Foster, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “I am committed to ensuring that West Midlands Police has access to the most advanced technology to keep our communities and our officers safe.
“This new more accurate and effective T10 taser represents a significant leap forward in de-escalation capability, community and officer safety and public accountability.
“Critically, this device provides more data than ever before, allowing for greater transparency, because the use of force must be appropriate, lawful and proportionate at all times.
“My office and I will continue to ensure the use of Taser is subject to rigorous internal governance and external scrutiny by our community-led panels, so that public trust and confidence remain at the heart of West Midlands policing.”
Following a comprehensive upgrade to over 30 armouries across the region and specialised training at West Midlands Police’s Tally Ho! Tactical Training Centre, training for specially trained officers began on 2 February 2026.
The move ensures West Midlands Police remains at the forefront of UK policing, as one of approximately 20 early adopter forces out of 43 nationally.
GET INVOLVED: JOIN OUR SCRUTINY PANELS
We are calling on members of the public to help shape the future of policing in the West Midlands. To ensure the T10 and other police powers are used appropriately, lawfully and proportionately we encourage residents to join our Stop and Search and Use of Force Scrutiny Panels.
As a panel member, you will have the opportunity to view body-worn video footage, review data and provide direct feedback to the force.
Sign up today via the West Midlands PCC Scrutiny Panel page to help us deliver fair and effective policing for all.
Back to News Archive