Star comment: We have to trust police over Tasers

The fact that we operate a largely unarmed police service is much to our credit and consistent with the principles outlined by Sir Robert Peel in the 19th century.

And for nearly two centuries it has served us well. However, the security threat to this country is changing and officers are facing an increasingly dangerous risk while carrying out their duties.

We severely doubt that anyone wants to see a shift to the US-model where firearms are universal. That our warranted officers are unarmed is generally one of the strengths of British policing rather than a weakness.

But it is clear in recent attacks at Westminster and London Bridge that officers are becoming targets.

This is where Taser enters the equation. Although controversial, these devices are highly effective.

They can bring complex and potentially deadly situations to a halt within seconds.

Often just the threat of a Taser being fired is enough to calm an incident.

But in those cases where an offender shows no signs of co-operating, Taser can be deployed to safely stop the target in their tracks.

Members of the public will be concerned that by significantly increasing the number of Taser users within West Midlands Police that it will become more frequently used.

And after the death of ex-Villa star Dalian Atkinson last year, many will be questioning whether they are as safe as the police claim. But the public should see this as a re-assuring move aimed not at increasing the amount of times Taser is used, but giving wider protection to more of our region.

Taser use is low. It is – and must remain – a last resort. But given the ferocity and viciousness of recent terror attacks, it is better to be safe than sorry. Taser is primarily about protecting the public. But it also protects the police officers – and the offender.

We support West Midlands Police in this bold move.

It is crucial they are given the right powers and the tools to do the job.

This is not a major shift to universally arming our officers. It is a sensible and moderate approach consistent with British values.

We trust our brave boys and girls in blue to use their new capabilities responsibly and proportionately.