Police cars could be routinely armed with Tasers, Bernard Hogan-Howe, the commissioner of the Metropolitan Police has suggested.
“I think to have more availability than we have now is essential,” he said in a move that could see the weapons made more accessible to forces throughout the UK.
Addressing a firearms officer on an LBC radio programme, the commissioner, said: “What we need to make sure is that it’s available when it’s needed and having it with people such as yourself, a specialist in firearms, is good because it gives you an alternative to using a gun sometimes.”
He said that another option would be placing a Taser in every police car or in every response car, adding "in short" he would sanction their greater use.
The stun guns, which are used to temporarily disable suspects by emitting up to 50,000 volts, have been used on an operational basis since 2004. Upon his appointment in September, Hogan-Howe instigated a review of Taser use.
Only 3,100 officers are currently allowed to carry Tasers, however yesterday’s comments could indicate that the weapon is to become more widely available.
However, human rights groups have reacted angrily to the proposal, arguing that the Taser is dangerous, highlighting the death of 27-year-old Dale Burns, who died of a heart attack after being Tasered and pepper sprayed by police in August.
Speaking to The Times, Oliver Sprague of Amnesty International, said: "Tasers should not be made available to every police officer. Already we’ve seen a huge increase in the number of Tasers being used by officers across the country.
According to Scotland Yard, the Met is currently reviewing the availability of the weapons, to "ensure the best possible protection for staff and the public".