Additionally, the probes penetrating the skin carry a risk of infection and, potentially, the transmission of disease. In rare cases, Tasers can ignite flammable clothing, causing burns. And there’s also a risk of cardiac arrest, and even death.

Strike anchors are a variation of lag shields but offer a more secure hold. They feature a driving pin that expands the anchor body when hammered in, creating a tight fit within the concrete. Strike anchors are ideal for projects requiring vibration resistance.

MasonryAnchor

They are ideal for anchoring into concrete slabs or walls, and suitable for securing beams, cable trays, pipes, or machinery.

A simple and versatile option, machine screw anchors consist of a threaded metal body that expands when tightened with a screw. They are suitable for light-duty applications like securing cabinets, shelves, or electrical and light plumbing fixtures.

They are fast and easy to install, suitable for light to medium-duty applications, but may not work well in weak concrete or heavy-duty scenarios.

Sleeveanchor

Mental health issues or acute behavioural disturbances are often present in cases where a Taser is discharged for 20 seconds or longer. Research indicates that people with mental health issues are 80% more likely to be tasered.

In the same period, Tasers were drawn on six children under the age of 11. While Taser use is often linked to the possession of a weapon, the Children’s Rights Alliance for England has called for a ban on using the device against children.

Tasers were first introduced to British policing in 2003, to bridge the gap between using sprays and firearms in handling serious and violent incidents. Initially limited to trained firearms officers, the use of Tasers was expanded in 2008, allowing all officers to receive specialised training in their deployment.

Threaded rod anchors are ideal for anchoring large objects or when through-bolting is required. They consist of a long, threaded rod with a mechanical or adhesive expansion mechanism at one end.

Concrete screws are a convenient option for anchoring directly into concrete. They feature an aggressive thread design that cuts into the concrete as you screw them in. They are suitable for light to medium-duty applications in concrete and offer the advantage of fast and easy installation.

Police have also used Tasers on children, with more than 3,000 instances involving 11-to 17-year-olds between 2022 and 2023 in England and Wales. In 88 of those cases, the weapon was actually fired.

In Scotland, only specially trained officers can use Tasers. Between 2018 and 2021, they were used in 782 Scottish incidents. The human rights organisation Amnesty criticised the Police Service of Northern Ireland earlier this year for its increased use of force, including a 40% increase in Taser use.

Installation method - Consider your comfort level and available tools. Some anchors require setting tools, while others are installed with a hammer or screw.

Split drive anchors are a relatively new type of anchor gaining popularity. They are installed by hammering a fluted pin into a pre-drilled hole. The pin splits and expands, creating a secure hold in concrete, brick, or masonry.

Yes, consulting an engineer is recommended for critical projects involving significant weight loads to ensure proper anchor selection and installation.

One of the most contentious tools at the police’s disposal is the Taser – a conducted energy device designed to temporarily incapacitate people with an electrical shock.

Police most commonly fire Tasers in response to weapon possession, drug use, or the need to protect themselves or others. But age and gender also play a role. People aged between 18 and 34 are the most frequent targets of Taser use, while being a woman reduces the likelihood of being tasered by 80%.

Concretescrew

What are the best concrete anchors? Let’s explore the different types and strengths of top anchors and learn how to choose the right one for your project.

Remember, prioritizing quality anchors, adhering to manufacturer specifications, and consulting professionals for high-demand projects will ensure your project's success and longevity. So, the next time you need to secure something to concrete, don't underestimate the power of the right concrete anchor.

Tapcon

Application - Think about the application's demands. Will the anchor be exposed to vibration, moisture, or chemicals? Choose an anchor material and type that can withstand these conditions.

Sleeve anchors are available in various strengths for light to heavy-duty applications. They are suitable for securing beams, railings, shelving units, window frames, or concrete furniture.

The IOPC’s 17 recommendations from its 2021 investigation emphasise the need for improved training and guidance, increased scrutiny and monitoring, and greater community engagement.

Split drives are suitable for light to medium-duty applications in concrete, brick, or masonry. Common uses include securing cabinets, shelves, electrical fixtures, or cladding materials.

Guidance for how police in England and Wales should use Tasers is published by the College of Policing. It states that they should only be used as a proportionate response to an identified threat. Officers should provide the clear verbal warning “Taser, Taser” and, if circumstances allow, give sight of the device before firing.

It’s best to use them for light to medium-duty anchoring applications, such as securing beams, railings, or HVAC equipment.

Concrete anchors are a vital component for securely attaching objects to concrete surfaces. By understanding the strengths, functionalities, and selection factors outlined in this article, you can confidently navigate the world of concrete anchors.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently urged the police to take “all necessary action” in response to unrest across cities and towns in England and Northern Ireland.

Lag shields are suitable for light to medium-duty anchoring in concrete, masonry, and brick. Common uses include securing cabinets, shelves, grab bars, and furniture.

Tasers can inflict pain and cause neuromuscular incapacitation, leading to a person stiffening up and collapsing, unable to control their movements. This sudden loss of control can result in injury.

Consider the load, material (concrete, brick, or masonry), application demands (vibration, moisture), and installation method. Always consult manufacturer specs and opt for a stronger anchor when in doubt.

Sleeve anchors function similarly to wedge anchors but offer more versatility. They consist of a hollow sleeve with a separate expansion wedge and threaded bolt. This allows for using different bolt diameters with the same sleeve anchor.

Wedge anchors are ideal for heavy-duty applications, providing exceptional strength and reliability for securing beams, machinery, or structural elements.

The most recently published statistics show that between April 2022 and March 2023, Tasers were used (including being drawn and aimed at a person) 33,531 times in England and Wales, and actually fired 2,978 times. This is a decrease from 2021 to 2022, when Tasers were used 34,276 times and fired 3,212 times.

However, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) warns that Taser use can significantly affect public confidence in the police, partly due to misunderstandings about how and when Tasers are deployed. The IOPC points to a gap between public expectations and the actual situations in which Tasers are used, particularly when vulnerable individuals are involved.

By 2019, 14% of officers across England and Wales were trained to carry and use Tasers. And by 2023, 22% of officers in the Metropolitan Police were trained to carry and use them.

Lag shields, also known as lead shields, are another popular choice for light to medium-duty jobs. These metal sleeves feature internal threads and an expandable exterior. They work with lag screws, providing a strong hold in concrete, masonry, and brick.

Plastic anchors are the least robust option. They expand as you drive a screw into them, wedging themselves into the concrete. These anchors are best suited for very light-duty applications, like hanging pictures and small mirrors or securing light cables/wires to concrete.

Public support for police carrying Tasers is strong. A survey of more than 9,000 people in 2016 found that 79% backed the idea of more officers being equipped with Tasers. A 2019 survey of more than 4,000 people revealed that 66% would feel safer if every officer in their community carried a Taser, and 69% trusted the police to use them responsibly.

These anchors are typically installed with a setting tool and are suitable for heavy-duty applications, such as securing beams, columns, structural supports, heavy machinery, or other large objects to concrete.

The data on Tasers and race is inconsistent, however. Some studies have found that Tasers have been used on non-white people twice as often as white people, while others have found no significant correlation.

WedgeAnchor

A YouGov poll conducted during this summer’s riots revealed that 75% of Britons believe Tasers should be used in such situations. Among the police, support for wider Taser use is even stronger – 90% of more than 8,000 officers surveyed in 2016 agreed that more of their colleagues should be equipped with the device.

Bright yellow and handheld, a Taser can be used in two ways: by direct contact or by firing from a distance. The device’s probes are engineered to pierce a person’s clothing and skin, delivering an electrical charge intended to de-escalate potentially volatile situations.

Since 2019, student police officers have been allowed to carry Tasers, following a recommendation from the National Police Chiefs’ Council. The council acknowledged that student officers face the same risks as fully trained colleagues, already carry batons and irritant spray, and account for a considerable proportion of front-line officers.

Concrete is a fantastic building material, offering incredible strength and durability. But when it comes to attaching objects to concrete, standard screws and nails won't do. That's where concrete anchors come in. These specialized fasteners provide a secure hold for a variety of applications, from hanging cabinets to securing heavy machinery.

Wedge anchors are considered one of the best concrete screws due to their exceptional strength. They consist of a threaded bolt with a wedge-shaped mechanism. As you tighten the nut, the wedge expands the anchor body, creating immense holding power.

Wedge anchors are ideal for heavy-duty anchoring in concrete - they are suitable for securing beams, structural elements, machinery, railings, or safety equipment.

Drop-in anchors are ideal for pre-drilled, uncracked concrete. They consist of a threaded expander bolt and a wedge mechanism. The anchor is inserted into the hole, and the wedge is driven down with a setting tool, expanding the anchor and creating a secure hold.

Weight load - Consider the weight of the object you are anchoring. Choose an anchor with a holding capacity exceeding the anticipated load.

Tasers are considered a safer use of force for both police officers and the people involved, causing fewer injuries than dogs, batons, physical force or spray. But some high-profile cases – such as a pregnant woman in south Wales who miscarried days after being Tasered – have shown that significant risks remain.

Although Tasers are intended to de-escalate threats or temporarily incapacitate people, the IOPC has investigated cases where Tasers were discharged for prolonged periods.