Taser use extended for officers

The new ruling comes in for the force from Monday

Police in Gloucestershire who are authorised to use firearms will now also be permitted to use Taser guns.

The change means authorised firearms officers (AFOs) will be able to use the "stun-guns" in a wider range of incidents.

The policy change brings the force in line with most other forces.

"The general population will not notice any difference, as it is more a change in working practises for our AFOs," a spokesman said.

"We have used Taser very rarely in this county since it was introduced just over two years ago, and we should not see any significant increase in its use now.

"The AFOs will only be able to use Taser with authority from a Control Room Inspector at incidents where there is reason to suppose that they, in the course of their duty, may have to protect the public."