100 extra police officers are to be trained how to use tasers, North Wales Police has confirmed.

The move means that 400 of the force’s 1,450 officers will regularly carry or have ready access to the Home Office approved device.

The Police and Crime Commissioner is funding £136,000 which will be spent on training and equipment. This will include an additional 200 of the new X2 Taser devices.

Each officer selected to undergo training will go through a rigorous assessment process, in line with national guidelines, to ensure that they are suitable to carry the device.

Chief Constable Carl Foulkes said: “It is often the case that just having a taser officer present can diffuse a threatening situation without them actually having to use it or get involved in a physical confrontation.

“The use of taser means my officers will be better equipped to protect the public and themselves whilst also removing pressure from our firearms officers and ensuring we can respond more quickly and effectively with the appropriate resources.

“We have been in close consultation with the Police and Crime Commissioner and the North Wales Police Federation and have received unilateral support from both for the decision to better protect the public and our front line staff.

“We will now begin the selection process for 100 uniformed officers to be trained to carry taser. Following their training they will be deployed to various departments across the region, helping to keep their colleagues and the public safe.”

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