More police in South Gloucestershire will carry tasers in future in response to the rising number of assaults on officers.

The number of Taser trained officers in Avon and Somerset Police will increase to 650 by April 2021.

This follows figures showing the number of assaults on Avon and Somerset officers has risen by 54 per cent over the past two years.

Chief constable Andy Marsh said: “The safety of officers is paramount and it’s vital we equip them with the skills and tools required to carry out their jobs effectively and without fear of harm.

"Policing can be dangerous and while we regularly deal with difficult and hostile situations, no-one should come to work in fear of being assaulted.

“It’s vital we take an evidence-based approach in deciding how many officers carry Tasers based on the current threat and risk levels. A recent review of this assessment has found we need to increase the number of Taser trained officers by 204.

“All officers equipped with Taser are highly trained and undergo a rigorous selection process.

“Increasing the number of Taser trained officers is not the only way we can better protect our officers and communities from harm. There’s a comprehensive national review underway looking at officers’ safety and one of the things I’m focusing on is ensuring Body Worn Video footage showing assaults on officers taking place is shown to the courts in every case, regardless of whether the defendant pleads guilty or not. We need to ensure the deterrents are there to prevent these assaults from happening in the first place.”

Police Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said: “Our Scrutiny of Police Powers Panel (SOPP), will continue to review body worn video in order to monitor and scrutinise the use of police powers – including cases involving use of Taser.

“This independent oversight and scrutiny ensures that there is transparency and accountability where there is any use of force."

“We’re pleased that following discussions between the SOPP and the Constabulary, de-escalation training is being introduced for front line officers to ensure that Taser is a last line of defence and only used when absolutely necessary.

Police federation chair Andy Roebuck said: “As a Federation, we welcome this uplift as we believe officer and staff safety is a top priority.

"I’ve spoken with numerous officers who’ve been assaulted and they tell me of the impact that it has on them and their families.

"This can be emotional and psychological, as well as physical. No police officer or staff member should have to go home and explain their injuries to their loved ones."