Rutland residents are being asked for their views on plans which could see the number of Taser-carrying Leicestershire Police officers increase over the next two to three years.

The force is asking people to fill in a two-minute survey to say whether they support the idea of more officers carrying the protective equipment.

A Taser, says Leicestershire Police, gives officers 'the tactical option' to manage threatening or confrontational situations.

It incapacitates someone temporarily using an electrical current as an alternative, or additional option, to other types of restraint such as batons, incapacitating spray and police dogs

Between April 2019 to the end of January 2020, Leicestershire officers used a taser 637 times, but fired just 32 times.

A Leicestershire Police spokesman said: "Taser is an additional tactical option that allows officers to manage situations from a safe distance where violence is threatened or likely.

"In the vast majority of cases where Taser is deployed, the mere threat of its use has been enough to bring violent or potentially violent situations to a safe and peaceful resolution.

"This means that Taser is only actually fired in a small minority of situations."

All officers selected to use a Taser must pass an intensive training course which includes detailed assessments on decision making, scenario-based incidents, use of force and the medical implications - including any adverse reactions.

Taser-trained officers, who undertake regular re-assessment and are subject to review, are individually accountable in law for the amount of force they use.

Tasers, say the force, will often be less likely to cause injury than, for example, the use of a baton or police dog.

To complete the Leicestershire Police Taser survey click on the red button below.