Tower Hamlets police officers will be armed with taser guns from today to tackle violent criminals in the borough. (Image: Archant)
Police in Tower Hamlets are carrying Taser guns on the beat from today.
The weapons are being rolled out to non-specialist officers, having previously only been issued to firearms officers.
The borough’s police force has been allocated eight Tasers, at a cost of around £1,000 each.
Those officers who will carry the weapons have undertaken a “rigorous” three day training programme in preparation.
Ch Insp Mick Sanderson, who is overseeing their introduction, said of the weapons: “It’s very effective.
“It causes no long-term damage, and minimal short-term damage.”
The Metropolitan Police is currently in the process of introducing the weapons across all London boroughs.
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