POLICE will use their latest electric-shock weaponry only in exceptional circumstances. The force has taken delivery of its first Tasers, which temporarily incapacitate a subject by firing 50,000 volts into them.

Chief officer George Le Page said the guns would assist the police greatly and reassure the public. But they could be deployed only in accordance with firearms-issue legislation and not independently.

‘The Taser gun will give us the less-than-lethal option without having to resort to the use of firearms,’ he said.

Tasers could be used to protect officers and the public when, for example, they were under threat from people wielding knives or swords.

The weapon discharges a pair of probes from an electrical device and has a range of up to 21ft.

The probes contain barbs that create a circuit when both connect with the subject’s skin or clothing.

A charge of 50,000 volts is then passed into the subject via conducting wires that link the probes to the gun.

The shock lasts for a maximum of five seconds but can be used in a shorter burst.

A second application could be made if necessary.

The shock causes muscular contraction, disrupting the nerves that are required for maintaining balance and posture, leaving the subject incapable of resistance.

It does not rely solely on pain to achieve compliance.

Subjects are generally left with two marks that look like bee stings and a burning sensation that disappears within two days.

When fired, the cartridge releases afids – minute circular discs that would enable positive identification of the firing officer.

This might be used only in the rare situation when two officers have fired at the same person.

Mr Le Page said Taser would be used only as a defence method and not for subject compliance as it was in the United States.

Guernsey Police head of firearms Inspector J. P. Le Breton said that they were rarely deployed in the Bailiwick and the Taser had been shown to be safe in other jurisdictions.

‘They have done extensive testing and it has been deemed not to have an adverse effect, even on people with pacemakers or implanted defibrillators,’ he said.

The UK Defence Scientific Advisory Committee on the medical implications of less lethal weapons was not aware of any deaths arising from the primary or secondary consequences of Taser use.

The UK Police Scientific Development Branch had also endorsed the weapon.

Only officers authorised to use firearms and who have undergone specialist training with Taser are able to use the latter.

Mr Le Page said these were highly trained, capable and competent officers who could be expected to behave in a rational manner.