DURHAM Constabulary is increasing the number of officers who carry Tasers.

More than 20 will be trained in the next few months. The force currently has 103 trained Taser users.

The Police Federation recently called for all officers to carry them.

Tasers provide a ‘less lethal’ option in situations where people’s safety or lives are at risk but concerns have been raised about the deaths of people hit by the device’s electrical pulses.

Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Ron Hogg, said: “We will not be arming all officers with Tasers even though the Police Federation have asked for it.

“This is being done to improve the safety of our officers and has no relation to crime levels within County Durham and Darlington, which are currently stable.

“The force uses Tasers less than the national average and this reflects our approach of talking to people and helping them.”

Sgt Andy Jackson, of Durham Police Federation, said: “I fully support the force’s decision on this important issue which shows it is supporting its officers in terms of their personal safety.

“By helping keep officers safe, we can keep the public safe.”

Durham’s 103 authorised Taser users include 43 firearms officers.

A further 24 response officers are scheduled for initial Taser courses in April and June.

More training courses are planned for later in the year.

Assistant Chief Officer Gary Ridley said: “At present there are usually about eight officers on duty at any one time authorised to carry a Taser.

“This will increase to about 18 by the end of the year. Officers only carry Tasers after intensive initial and refresher training.”