More police to get stun guns
More police officers could soon be carrying Taser stun guns under plans to be unveiled by Home Secretary John Reid.
More than 3,000 of the devices, which temporarily disable a suspect by delivering a 50,000-volt shock, have been distributed to special firearms officers.
Mr Reid will tell the Police Federation conference that he wants non-firearms officers working in specialist units to have the weapon.
The Home Secretary also wants officers to be able to use the stun guns if they are confronted by violence or threats and not just, as at present, if confronted by someone with a weapon.
A 12-month pilot scheme of the expansion, involving 11 forces, is expected to begin in September.
Amnesty International says Tasers can be lethal and wants a public inquiry before their use is extended.
The Home Office now wants Tasers to be available to police in specialist units, such as tactical support teams and drugs squads.
© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.
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