Tasers will be available for use by Lothian and Borders Police in firearms operations from today (Monday 9th January).

Lothian and Borders Police will become the second force in Scotland to deploy Tasers, however, most forces in England and Wales are already using them as a less lethal alternative to the use of firearms.

Ian Dickinson, Assistant Chief Constable of Lothian and Borders Police, said: "Deployment of the Taser is a real step forward. Armed officers often need to deal with people who are threatening officers' lives or the life of an innocent person. Often these individuals are emotionally upset, under the influence of drink or drugs - they simply do not appreciate how violent, dangerous or threatening their behaviour is.

"When armed officers are faced with such a threat they do not know, and cannot know, exactly how serious and dangerous it is. They have to deal with what they can see which is often a person armed with a knife, sword or other weapon and who appears intent on hurting another person.

"Having a Taser available gives officers the option of dealing with the threat to life without having to resort to use of a firearm which carries a risk of killing the individual.

"But the Taser is always deployed alongside conventional firearms and it is not a replacement for such weapons. People who present a threat to life are a serious danger to anyone around them and our officers must be in a position to protect anyone using any of the options available to them.

"In fact the experience in England has been that in many cases the sight of a red laser light and a warning from armed officers is enough to help violent individuals realise that their actions are very high risk and convince them to stop and put down any weapon they may have.

"I must add and emphasise that the Taser is used only as a direct alternative to using a firearm and in exactly the same circumstances and in response to a direct threat to life. It is not, in any sense, deployed routinely or in less serious incidents."

Mr Dickinson emphasised that Tasers are a less lethal option and not a non lethal option. Their introduction follows that of the 'baton gun' which was introduced last year.

Part of the force's preparation for the introduction of Tasers has involved inviting a wide audience to view the device and discuss the effects that is has. These have included the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, elected members of councils and community representatives. Importantly key members of the medical profession and the ambulance service have been invited to ensure that immediate and effective support is provided to anyone who has a Taser used on them.