Police Taser Stun Gun trial under way

This new project will train 30  officers to user Taser stun guns

Up to 30 Strathclyde Police officers are taking to their beats, armed with Taser stun guns.

This new project, which will run for the next six months, involves law enforcement officers in Glasgow and South Lanarkshire.

The force introduced the guns in 2005 for use by firearms officers. This is the first time in Scotland they have been issued to beat officers.

Tasers fire a 50,000-volt electrical charge and are designed to incapacitate rather than cause serious injury.

Because of the higher rate of police assults in Glasgow city centre and the Rutherglen and Cambuslang areas Strathclyde Police will be focusing on beat officers in those areas.

After they receive their three days of training the officers will be issued their Taser stun guns.

Strathclyde Police Authority aproved the new project in February.