POWERFUL Tasers that can be fired at criminals from 45ft away — nearly double the present range — will be rolled out to cops this year.
The new devices, which will be rolled out to police forces later this year, can shoot darts at a suspect at a speed of 205 feet per second.
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They have tiny hooks which latch onto their target with two cables providing 1000 volts of power to disarm a threat.
The Axon devices, which are produced in Arizona, also have a powerful strobe light and an audible warning before shooting, with the aim of de-escalating dangerous scenarios.
The kit – which costs £1,000 per year per device – has just been approved for use by UK cops.
Statistics from last year show that out of the 33,478 incidents where police drew the weapons, they were only actually fired in a tenth of cases, with most suspects complying before being tasered.
Policing Minister Sarah Jones said: “Police officers up and down the country are at their best when diffusing stressful, and often dangerous, situations, but their safety, and the safety of the communities they serve is paramount.
“The new T10 offers a safer option for officers who find themselves in those dangerous situations.
“This new device, backed by robust testing, will help our police forces and properly trained officers tackle crime more effectively while maintaining public trust and accountability, which is crucial to our Plan for Change.”
Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi, national policing lead for less lethal weapons, said: “We are proud to operate a predominantly unarmed police service built on public consent, where officers resolve most incidents safely without force, and we continue to see a consistent decline in Taser discharges.
“Taser provides vital support in high-risk, fast-moving situations. Officers who volunteer to carry Taser are highly trained, and in 92% of cases, its presence alone defuses danger swiftly and safely.
“Accountability is paramount, and the new Taser 10 model enhances oversight and prioritises de-escalation, reinforcing our focus on public safety and trust.”
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