Force defends use of Taser guns

Senior officers say the Taser gun is "vital" for tackling violent offenders

The use of Taser stun guns has been defended by Devon and Cornwall Police.

Since the force became involved in a trial of the electric stunning device in September, the weapon has been used on 12 people by non-firearms officers.

The human rights group Amnesty has linked Tasers to about 70 deaths in the US, and mental health groups also fear they are being used too often.

But senior officers said training for non-firearms officers was thorough and strictly regulated.

"The officers have been trained to exactly the same level as the firearms officers who have had the Tasers for about four years," Supt Tim Swarbrick told BBC News.

"They use them in exactly the same way and have to carry out a proper threat assessment before using the Taser."

Force is not the answer Richard Wakerell, Mind

The force said it was a vital weapon for tackling violent offenders and was a very strong deterrent.

Officers said when the red laser target dot was trained on a suspect, many potentially violent situations were quickly calmed down.

Police guidelines stipulate the device may be used where officers face "a risk of serious violence".

The gun works by firing darts that release a 50,000-volt electric shock which causes temporary paralysis.

The Taser is classed as a "less lethal" alternative to firearms.

But Richard Wakerell from the mental health charity, Mind, said he would prefer to see alternative methods used.

"Force is not the answer. We'd like to see the police have mental health awareness training."

Devon and Cornwall is one of 10 forces across England and Wales taking part in the trial, which runs until September.

The others are Avon and Somerset, Gwent, Lincolnshire, Merseyside, Metropolitan Police Service, Northamptonshire, Northumbria, North Wales and West Yorkshire.