The number of police officers across Hertfordshire carrying Tasers is set to rise, after it was announced that non-firearms officers have been trained to use the weapons.

Since they were first introduced in June 2005, the use of Tasers has been limited to specialist firearms officers across the county.

But from January 1, a number of specially selected and trained non-firearms officers will carry them.

A small number of officers from intervention teams have also been trained to use them, in situations where officers face “violence or threats of violence of such severity that they need to use force to protect them public, themselves, or the subject”.

The Western Area of the county, which covers Watford, Three Rivers and Dacorum, will be the first to introduce Tasers to non-firearms officers, and the move is part of the Home Office's commitment to providing officers with the equipment they need to “meet the demands of modern policing”.

It will be implemented by all forces across the country.

Hertfordshire Police use the Taser X26 model, which can be aimed at a target up to 35 feet away. When fired, two “probes” are released carrying wires back to the Taser, which then carry an electrical charge to the subject.

Across the county between April and November 2008, 330 ‘Taser-only’ authorisations were given. Of those instances, it was used (i.e. withdrawn from its holster and/or aimed) on 12 occasions and discharged once.

Superintendent Andrew Ewing, from Hertfordshire Constabulary's Operational Support Department, said: “Just as in firearms incidents, authorisation will still be required. However, once this has been given officers will be able to use the most appropriate response – be it conventional resources such as officer presence, communication or OAVA spray, or the new option of Taser, according to the gravity of the situation and their threat assessment.”

Sup Ewing said the recruitment process will be “very selective”, and use of Taser will be “stringently” monitored.

He added: “Each officer will receive intensive and rigorous Taser training. It is crucial that the right officer, with the right training, uses the right procedures.

“Every incident involving a Taser use will be subject to a ‘use of force’ report and stringent reporting procedures will monitor and audit each deployment. A robust post incident management procedure is also in place to manage any forensic issues and the after care of those arrested.”

Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Heather Valentine said: “We remain committed to using appropriate force only when necessary.

“Whilst violent crime in our county is low, our officers do on occasions, need to deal with individuals who threaten violence to both police and members of the public. In those situations, we need the ability to bring these incidents to a quick and safe conclusion and Taser is one of a number of ways that our officers can achieve this.”