Police armed with Tasers are to patrol the streets from this week.

Initially firearms officers will use the device when confronted with the threat of violence, but it will then be phased in to other officers.

Police Commissioner Michael DeSilva said this afternoon that eventually one in three officers on patrol will be armed with the device.

A Taser is an eletroshock weapon that uses an electrical current to immobilise muscle movement. Manufactured by Taser International, it is used by armed forces and law enforcement agencies to subdue dangerous subjects before they inflict harm on others.

All Bermuda Police Service officers are to receive thorough training in the use of the weapon, which is said to have less risk of injury than the asp (Police baton) or Captor spray (a version of pepper spray).

Public Safety Minister David Burch, announcing the introduction of the Taser to the streets of Bermuda, said this afternoon: “This will enable the Bermuda Police Service to more effectively deal with any situations where officers are dealing with threatening behaviour, to the safety of officers and others.”

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