Devon and Cornwall police will give people the chance to find out more about plans for more Taser-carrying officers at an event in Camborne on Tuesday.

The event is one of two being held in Cornwall this week as the force reviews Taser use and seeks public feedback on plans to increase the number of the weapons in use over the next two to three years.

A survey was launched in April to consult the public and more than 700 responses have been received so far.

Now the force is inviting residents to hear more about the plans and offering the opportunity to pose questions to the senior officer leading the review.

East Cornwall commander Superintendent Ian Drummond-Smith will provide an overview of the plans and Taser use within the Devon and Cornwall. The public will have the chance to ask questions and handle a training Taser unit.

There are currently 530 Taser trained non-firearms officers in the force, around one sixth of officers, but under new plans this could increase to around 1,000 by 2018.

The move is being considered as a way of better protecting communities and dealing with incidents in more isolated and rural areas where there is threat of harm and risk to life of the public and back up to police officers may not be close by.

It is also hoped the change will reduce the number of assaults on police officers – currently around 30 incidents a month.

Supt Drummond-Smith said:“No decisions have yet been made and we want the public to tell us what they think. We will then take into account these responses as part of ongoing review.”

The review is expected to make recommendations to the Chief Constable in the autumn. 

The sessions will take place on Tuesday 17 May at Camborne police station and on Wednesday 18 May at Bodmin police station.

Both events begin at 6pm and anyone who is interested is asked to pre-book their place at the event by emailing:taserconsultation@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk

or those who cannot attend the events but wish to have their say, the survey can be found and completed at https://services.devon-cornwall.police.uk/surveys/tasers/index.htm

For more about the Taser review see: https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/News/newsarticle.aspx?id=a4ae28d3-3e50-43c1-a65c-25cc4fbe1dea