POLICE in East Anglia have used Taser “stun guns” almost 100 times in three years, new figures show.More than 80 criminals in the region have been struck by the weapon, which is designed to temporarily incapacitate an offender by delivering a strong electrical pulse, since they were introduced.
POLICE in East Anglia have used Taser “stun guns” almost 100 times in three years, new figures show.
More than 80 criminals in the region have been struck by the weapon, which is designed to temporarily incapacitate an offender by delivering a strong electrical pulse, since they were introduced.
Taser “stun-guns” were introduced in April 2004 to provide police with another tool in dealing with violent criminals.
Most forces only allow trained firearms officers to discharge the weapon but a pilot is underway at 10 of the country's forces allowing other specially trained officers to use Tasers.
Figures published by the Home Office show police in East Anglia have used Taser guns 97 times on a total of 85 criminals between April 2004 and November 30, 2007.
In Suffolk, Taser guns have been used 11 times, while in Essex they have been used 12 times and in Norfolk and Cambridgeshire, 11 and 25 times respectively.
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