Police to get wider powers over use of stun guns

More police officers could soon be carrying Taser stun guns under plans to be unveiled by the Home Secretary.

Special firearms officers have received more than 3,000 of the devices, which temporarily disable a suspect by delivering a 50,000-volt shock.

John Reid will tell the Police Federation conference today that he wants non- firearms of ficers working in specialist units to have the weapon.

Mr Reid also wants officers to be able to use the stun guns if confronted by violence or threats and not just, as at present, if confronted by someone with a weapon.

Human rights group Amnesty International has mounted a longrunning campaign against Tasers, which it says are more dangerous than authorities claim.

Last year a poll at the Police Federation revealed that although police in England and Wales did not want to carry guns, 89 per cent wanted to see the use of Tasers extended.

At present, only speciallytrained firearms officers are allowed to carry them. Scotland Yard has deployed Taser response cars with officers carrying the devices as an alternative to guns.