Police to carry Tasers on London streets

Police officers in London are to be armed with 50,000-volt Taser guns from next month - despite concerns about safety.

The Met was finally allowed to take part in a Home Office pilot scheme after its governing body gave the green light to the plan.

Until now, only specially-trained firearms officers have been authorised to use the guns, which fire a dart carrying electric impulses into suspects to incapacitate them.

But yesterday at the Metropolitan Police Authorty's monthly meeting - during which Met Commissioner Sir Ian Blair secured his future by winning a confidence vote - members agreed to the study so it can have a say in it.

MPA deputy chair Cindy Butts said: "We have to recognise that the national Home Office pilot is now underway. Without the Met participating, this Authority will be unable to influence a final decision about future use of the Taser.

"Consequently, today we agreed that the Met participates in the trial. We want to move forward and influence the national debate. Our concerns have not gone away, nor have they been answered.

"Disproportionality of those the Taser is used against, the vulnerability of certain groups who may experience the threat of Taser use, and the extent of officer training remain of concern. We will monitor these areas rigorously and ensure that the experiences of London influence national policy for the good."

The increase will see up to 18 extra Tasers being carried by police in London at any one time.

In September, police revealed Tasers had been used on 45 men and one woman this year while officers were dealing with incidents ranging from from threatening behaviour to holding weapons including guns, kitchen knives and samurai swords.

The youngest person targeted was 16 while the oldest was 43. Most people were in their twenties.

Officers from ten forces are taking part in the trial.