More rural police officers to be armed with stun guns (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

More rural police officers in Wiltshire to be armed with stun guns

9:40am Monday 24th September 2012 in News By Laura Shack

MORE electric stun guns could be made available to rural police officers in Wiltshire.

Following the high-profile killing of two female police officers in Greater Manchester, Wiltshire Police’s Chief Constable Patrick Geenty has made a safety promise to his force.

An increased number of stun guns could soon be supplied to police officers across the county, with a focus on rural officers who often work unarmed and alone.

In an email to all 1,000 Wiltshire police officers, Mr Geenty said: “Every day, I ask you all to go about your duties in a professional and caring way but in the back of all of our minds are the potential dangers of policing.

“I hope and pray that you will always be safe and I will do my best to ensure that you have the right kit and training to do your job, but tragedy like this reminds me that we can never be entirely safe in our profession.

“We bravely put ourselves in harm's way sometimes to protect the public and very occasionally officers pay with their lives.”

Wiltshire already has two armed response units on duty 24 hours a day and it is anticipated that more officers will soon be trained to use the equipment.