Reid to expand use of Taser stun guns

The use of Taser stun guns could be extended to non-firearms police officers, the Home Office said on Wednesday.

Home Secretary John Reid is due to tell the Police Federation's annual conference in Blackpool that he wants to see more frontline police officers carrying the 50,000 volt devices.

The guns, which temporarily disable a suspect, can only be used by firearms officers at the moment, but Reid wants to extend the use to non-firearms officers working in specially trained units.

Currently, officers can only use the guns when confronted by an armed person, but under the plans, officers will also be able to use them if they face violence or threats, the BBC reported.

Taser guns have been used in 619 incidents since their introduction in the UK four years ago, a Home Office spokeswoman said.

The plans have angered human rights groups who say Tasers have been linked to dozens of deaths in America and Canada.

The Home Office said no deaths have been linked to their use in Britain.

An independent medical panel is carrying out research on whether the guns, which fire two barbed darts trailing electric wires, can cause serious injury.

If the plans get the go-ahead, trials could begin from September.

Source: Reuters UK