WEST Mercia Police chiefs say they will continue to review the number of officers armed with Tasars.
The comment comes after the Northamptonshire force became the first in the country to arm all of its frontline officers with the weapons.
The Chief Constable of Northamptonshire Nick Adderley took the decision, he said, because ‘enough was enough’ with regard to attacks on his officers.
The move will give 300 extra officers the option to be trained and equipped with the electronic devices with training costing around £600 per officer.
The force added the cost was not significant when compared to the level of injury and days lost due to sickness.
Northamptonshire has seen a 50 per cent increase in attacks on police officers.
A recent Police Federation survey found 94 per cent of officers said more Tasers should be issued.
Mr Adderley said: “Every week, I am made aware of more and more sickening attacks on my officers – they are spat at, assaulted and are being exposed to increasing levels of violence when they are deployed to incidents.
“No one comes to work to be assaulted and I want to make it crystal clear that my officers certainly don’t.”
He added it was time to give all frontline officers the ability to defend themselves and members of the public.
However West Mercia Police’s Assistant Chief Constable Martin Evans hinted it was unlikely his force would be following suit.
He said: “West Mercia Police regularly reviews the number of Taser officers to ensure we have appropriate coverage to provide the right level of protection for the public and this is a practice we continue as we move forward.”
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