HAMPSHIRE'S police chief has vowed to arm more frontline officers with tasers after pressure from the force's rank and file.

Chief Constable Andy Marsh has this evening announced that the number of officers who will be equipped with the controversial devices will increase by 20 per cent.

It comes after the chairman of the Hampshire Police Federation called on the force to arm more police due to increasing “extreme levels of violence” and the cut in police numbers.

Currently around 300 officers are trained to use tasers and this move will see a further 60 officers receive training to carry them while on duty.

Welcoming the news, chairman John Apter said: “I'm pleased that the Chief Constable and the Police Crime Commissioner have listened to our calls for a wider rollout of tasers and agreed to train a further 60 officers to use it.

“Tasers are an effective way of preventing violent confrontations escalating and in the short time we have been using tasers we have seen this to be the case.”

Hampshire Constabulary Chief Superintendent Scott Chilton, added: “We recognise that frontline officers require necessary equipment to manage a range of difficult and dangerous circumstances.

“The experiences of using Taser show it can be an effective option for calming and resolving situations safely with less risk of serious injury to officers, suspects, victims, and other members of the public.

“The force has listened and acted upon the views of officers, whom in a recent Police Federation survey supported an increase in access to Tasers.

“Not every officer is given a Taser; we make training decisions based on a proportionate number that can help keep the public and police safe in our local communities.

“The use of Taser across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight reflects the rigourous and consistent training completed by officers specifically selected as meeting the high standard required to carry one.”

The announcement comes after the Hampshire Police Federation surveyed its members about the use of tasers.

Of the 1,110 people who responded, 84 per cent wanted more access to the devices because of concerns over officer safety.

Mr Apter added: “My priority is always the safety and wellbeing of our members, those police officers who put themselves in the line of danger to protect the public.

“Police officers need to know that they have the best protection available, especially following recent cuts to officer numbers.

“Today's announcement is a step in the right direction.”