AN EXTRA 100 police officers in North Wales are to be trained to use Tasers.

This will make a total of 400 of the force’s 1,450 officers who will regularly carry or have ready access to a Taser.

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 while 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 support from both.

“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.”

Arfon Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner said: “Police officers need the tools to keep themselves and the public safe. We are pleased we will soon be able to offer the public, as well as the officers, more protection from violent individuals who seek to cause them harm through the roll out of these additional 100 officers.

Mark Jones, General Secretary, North Wales Police Federation said: “The decision to increase further the number of Taser trained officers is very much welcomed. We tirelessly campaign to make sure our members are given all the protection they need to do their jobs. The police force expects officers to get involved in dangerous situations every single day to protect the public therefore it is only right and proper that officers are given the tools for the job.