Transport cops in Scotland will be armed with taser devices in coming weeks, it has been announced.

The move by British Transport Police (BTP) will mean a number of specially-trained officers will carry taser devices as part of the force’s plans to further increase security and protect the public.

A taser device can incapacitate an individual through the use of an electrical current.

The devices, however, will not be issued to all BTP officers based in Scotland, but to a number of officers who have successfully completed a rigorous accredited training programme.

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The decision to introduce the devices comes after talks with Police Scotland and complements the existing, extensive joint-working between the two forces to protect the Scottish public.

Police Scotland officers have been using taser stun guns, which deliver a 50,000-volt electric shock, since 2005.

The Scottish Police Federation, which is the body that represents officers, has also called for the force to consider the wider deployment of taser devices in a bid to protect staff who are regularly attacked on the frontline.

British Transport Police have also briefed Scottish Ministers on their plans.

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Alun Thomas said: “This decision is not based on specific intelligence of any criminal behaviour or imminent threat, but will allow us the option to deploy taser devices where, in the course of their duty, an officer needs to protect the public or themselves by using force.

“The current threat to the UK from international terrorism remains ‘severe’, meaning an attack is highly likely. Recent terrorist attacks across the world are a stark reminder that the threat from terrorism is a genuine risk, and it is important that we keep our security measures and operational tactics under constant review.

“In our assessment, the introduction of taser devices in Scotland is a proportionate response and provides an additional option for our officers to consider when confronted with a genuine threat to themselves or the public. By way of example, in December last year, police deployed a taser device against a man armed with a large bladed knife, preventing him cutting the throat of stranger who he had targeted at random at Leytonstone station, east London. Undoubtedly the use of the taser device in this incident prevented even further harm to the travelling public.

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“We believe that the public in Scotland deserve the same level of protection as people elsewhere on the rail network.”

David Sidebottom, passenger director at the independent watchdog Transport Focus, said: “Passengers tell us that, on the whole, they feel safe on the railway. Any new initiative to keep people safe is to be welcomed, though we have found that a visible staff or police presence goes furthest in helping people feel secure, so it will be important to maintain that as well.”

Chief Supt John McBride, Divisional Commander for Scotland, added: “Our role at British Transport Police is to keep the public safe, along with the thousands of people working on the railways and our officers and staff.

“Across the UK every day, we have officers patrolling at stations to reassure the public, disrupt any criminal activity and respond to emerging incidents. Providing taser devices to a number of our officers in Scotland to consider when confronted with extreme violence means we are better placed to deal with extreme threats and will be in the best possible position to protect passengers and staff on the railways.”

BTP say in line with national guidance, each time a taser device is deployed, the circumstances will be recorded and reviewed to verify that the device was properly used.

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Certain serious incidents will also be referred to the Police Investigations & Review Commissioner (PIRC), including the discharge of taser devices.

The PIRC will then assess the referral and determine whether an independent investigation into the incident is required.