Beat cops to carry Tasers

Jan 28 2010 Tristan Stewart-Robertson

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Force set to push for use of weapons

Glasgow beat cops could be armed with Taser stun guns to combat assaults against officers.

Strathclyde Police will present a proposal to the Police Authority next month for potential pilot schemes, including the use of the weapons to immobilise suspects.

The weapons, which deliver a 50,000-volt electric shock, were introduced to Strathclyde after trials in England.

A force spokesman said an average of 4000 officers have been assaulted each year during the last four years and the number is increasing.

Last June, Chief Constable Steve House said that he was wants the weapons, which can cause temporary paralysis, used more widely.

But they are not without controversy and have been linked to deaths in Canada and the US.

A police spokeswoman said: "Work has been undertaken with regard to the possibility of extending the use of Tasers.

"Strathclyde Police has a duty to protect it s of f icer s and the public and regards the use of Tasers as one of a variety of effective means of doing this."