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Wiltshire police officers have used Tasers 17 times since they were introducxed, according to new figures from the Home Office.

The latest Taser statistics published today include figures from the first half of the Taser trial which was launched on 1 September 2007. The number of Taser usages for the period between 1 September 2007 and 29 February 2008 was 252 (236 of which were in last three months). Tasers were actually only discharged in 31 situations (of which 25 discharges were in the last three months) indicating that drawing or aiming the Taser is enough of a deterrent in most situations.

These pilot figures are published alongside a breakdown of all Taser use across England and Wales since Tasers were introduced for authorised firearms officers in April 2004.

The table says Wiltshire offices discharged the tasers 12 times, aimed and not discharged once and used its red dot as a deterrent four times.

Tasers are a valuable tool in policing the streets and increase public and police officer security. Ten police forces across the country have been taking part in a 12 month trial which has seen Taser being used by specially trained units who are not firearm officers, but could face similarly violent circumstances requiring conflict management.

Home Office Minister Tony McNulty said: "Tasers have contributed to resolving incidents without injury where otherwise there would have been a real possibility of someone being seriously injured or killed. In most cases they have not needed to be fired; drawing or aiming the Taser has been enough of a deterrent.

"Protection of officers and members of the public is clearly our highest priority. The Government will be closely monitoring the trial to evaluate Taser's benefits against any risks."

2:23pm Monday 12th May 2008

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