UK Allows Some Police to Carry Tasers

Although most police in the United Kingdom are not allowed to carry guns, some will now be carrying Taser stun guns.

The United Kingdom has been studying Tasers for three years. Five U.K. police forces began testing the guns on the streets 1-1/2 years ago.

Now, 6,000 officers are approved to use the stun guns that deliver a 50,000-volt electric shock to temporarily incapacitate a person.

“We have a big U.K. endorsement,” says Phil Smith, chairman of Taser maker Taser International. “The U.K. has endorsed Taser and is deploying it throughout all forces at the armed officer level.”

The company expects more police officers to be granted permission to use Tasers in the near future.