Home Secretary Priti Patel gives 10,000 more police officers tasers to deal with assaults

Priti Patel last night announced plans to hand Taser stun guns to an additional 10,000 frontline police officers.

In another major law and order announcement, the Home Secretary said she was ‘appalled’ by the recent spate of assaults on police and wanted to help officers protect themselves.

Forces in England and Wales will be able to bid for a £10million fund to help buy the weapons. 

Officials believe it will mean every beat bobby who wants a Taser will be able to carry one.

Miss Patel said: ‘I’m giving chief constables the resources to dramatically increase the number of their officers who carry Tasers. They keep us safe and now I’m giving them what they need to keep themselves safe on the job.’

The weapons, which deliver a 50,000-volt charge to their target, were used around 17,000 times last year – including times where they were pointed but not fired. 

Advocates say they can reduce violence without being used because violent thugs fear being Tasered.

Last night, human rights campaigners complained the move risked leading to higher levels of violence on the streets.

But the announcement was welcomed by the Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers.

Its chairman John Apter said: ‘The Home Secretary recently said that her top priority is the safety of police officers, so it is heartening to know our call for ring-fenced funding for Tasers has been heard and I welcome such positive and decisive action.

‘Officers are telling me daily they are feeling vulnerable and often isolated due to the lack of this vital protective equipment which has saved lives and prevented serious injuries.’

In another major law and order announcement, the Home Secretary Priti Patel (pictured) said she was ‘appalled’ by the recent spate of assaults on police and wanted to help officers protect themselves