Cumbria Constabulary is doubling the number of officers specially trained to carry Tasers from next month to help police continue to respond safely and appropriately to violent incidents around the clock.

Historically Taser has only been available for use by trained Firearms Officers whenever they're on duty. But from Thursday, December 10, it will be available 24 hours a day across Workington, Whitehaven, Carlisle and Barrow as its use is rolled out to an additional 100 selected and specially trained frontline officers.

Since its launch in Cumbria in 2005 Taser has proven to be an effective means of resolving many violent incidents as well as an additional tactical option for firearms officers in resolving firearms incidents.

In 2007 UK Taser roll-out was extended to Specially Trained Units (STUs) in ten force pilot areas allowing for some non-firearms officers to use Taser in certain situations where officers faced violence or threats of violence of such severity that they would need to use force to protect the public or themselves. This pilot has been successful, and they will now be rolled-out to specially trained officers across the country – bringing the number of officers trained to carry Taser in Cumbria to 198.

Assistant Chief Constable Jerry Graham, said: “Cumbria is one of the safest places to live, work and visit in the country and we are constantly reviewing our processes to make sure our officers are appropriately equipped and supported in their efforts to keep it that way. So, in line with national policy, we have invested in specially training more officers to be able to take advantage of this effective tool and make sure that when violence or threats of violence do occur we are able to respond appropriately, effectively and quickly, anywhere in the county, without delay.

“Taser provides officers with another option to diffuse high risk situations, protect the public and enable them to safely deal with violent offenders, rather than use other techniques that might result in injury. On the vast majority of occasions that Taser has been drawn against violent offenders in the county, the mere presence of it and the warning of its use has been sufficient to prevent further violent conduct or harm to anyone.

“Our officers are selected and trained to a very high standard and this situation will remain. The roll out will be constantly reviewed to ensure the Constabulary’s use of Taser remains legitimate, proportionate, and compatible with the rights of all persons, including Constabulary employees.

“We are committed, as part of the Policing Pledge, to improving our service to the people we serve and through this roll out our communities can be confident that our response to violent incidents is effective and maintains public safety at all times.