PRITI PATEL has approved a new, more effective model of Taser guns to be used by British police forces to counter "sickening" attacks on them.
Taser 7 is said to be "more painful", faster and compact than previous models, and also reduces costs for forces by replacing disposable batteries with rechargeable ones.
Upon procurement by 43 police forces across England and Wales, officers can start training with the new model within weeks, the Home Office said.
"It is sickening that our brave police officers face assaults and attacks as they work tirelessly to keep us all safe," the home secretary said.
"They are our protectors and I will do everything in my power to give them what they need to keep themselves and the public safe. This new Taser model will provide a safe and effective tool for apprehending criminals."
Taser guns are electroshock devices approved for use by police forces in the UK for the purpose of momentarily incapacitating perpetrators of crime and are described as an important tactical option for police in potentially dangerous situations.
In September last year, the UK government announced a £10-million ring-fenced fund to significantly increase the number of officers carrying Taser.
Notably, the approval came amid reports highlighting disproportionate use of the weapon.
“The Taser 7 is set to be the most powerful electroshock device ever put in the hands of the British police, and its introduction comes at a time of mounting concern over Taser misuse in policing — including against children and people from ethnic minorities,” Oliver Feeley-Sprague, of Amnesty International UK and a member of the independent advisory group to the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead on tasers, told the Times.
Deputy assistant commissioner Lucy d'Orsi, the National Police Chiefs' Council lead for less lethal weapons, said "accountability of Taser is important to chief constables, who have undertaken a commitment for every officer who patrols with Taser to be equipped with body worn video".
"The authorisation of the new Taser 7 model has passed rigorous independent scientific and technical assessments, and we are pleased it has received authorisation to be considered by forces," she added.
"This testing ensures all necessary safety standards are met, alongside continued operational reliability when using the device against those who are violent or threaten violence."
Only specially trained officers will be able to use the new device and those who are already trained to use older models will require new training for the Taser 7.
Chief constable Mike Cunningham, CEO of the College of Policing, said: "Policing is becoming ever more challenging and ensuring officers have the training and support needed to keep themselves safe while protecting the public is rightly a priority for the service.
"All officers carrying Taser, regardless of their rank or role, will continue to be trained to the high national standards set by the College."
The Home Office said that forces will be required to complete an additional record every time a Taser 7 device is used, to monitor the effects and performance of the device.
