Traffic Police To Get Tasers

18 March 2010, 14:22 | Updated: 18 March 2010, 14:44

Some of Cambridgeshire Police's traffic officers will soon be armed with tasers.

Selected officers will be given training in the weapon's use this summer, with the roll out taking place later in the year.

A taser is an electroshock weapon that fires two copper pins that send out an electrical shock.

It is designed to temporarily incapacitate a person rather than injure them.

Some Cambridgeshire Police traffic officers are being given them because they often have to deal with violent incidents and are usually first at a scene, according to the force.

Vicky Skeels, who is in charge of the roll out in Cambridgeshire, said: "Since the introduction of the taser in Cambridgeshire it has proven to be an effective tool in dealing with potentially violent situations safely and rapidly.

Taser is not a replacement for existing personal safety options and should be considered alongside other tactics to manage conflict and confrontation including negotiation, batons, incapacitant sprays and dogs, and only used when absolutely necessary.

"Every effort will be taken to ensure the force complies with the guidance and policies around Taser use released by the Home Office and the Association of Chief Police Officers."