Police keen on issuing Taser guns

THE UNION which represents rank and file police officers says it welcomes plans to arm local bobbies with Taser guns.

The Home Secretary is expected to announce the results of a year-long trial which saw ten police forces – including Devon and Cornwall – test the effectiveness of the high-tech weapons.

In the South West around 20 officers were handed the guns as they went about their normal patrol duties in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. It is believed the Home Secretary will approve the use of Tasers by non-firearms officers, although each force will be allowed to make the final decision itself.

Sgt Steve Tovagliari, chairman of the Devon and Cornwall branch of the Police Federation said every officer should have the right to protect themselves.

He said: "The Taser is another tool in the armoury to protect ourselves and it is something that will reduce the risk of officers being injured or killed while carrying out their duty.

"I understand there was something like a 41 per cent reduction in assaults on police in the Torbay area as a result of them carrying Tasers.

"On the face of it, it protects everybody."

Sgt Tovagliari said the weapon was preferable to even the Casco extendable baton issued to each officer.

He said: "The Casco can do permanent damage when you hit someone with it, but a Taser will incapacitate someone long enough for them to be safely restrained, with no after effects.

"The Federation welcomes it because it affords protection to members of the public, to police officers and even to offenders."

Darts fired by a Taser trail a wire up to 21ft long down which a 50,000 volt electric current is delivered for five seconds. The electrical current can penetrate clothing up to two inches thick.