WATCH: 500 extra Police Scotland officers to be equipped with tasers

Police Scotland is to equip 500 extra officers across the country with tasers, in a bid to tackle assaults on the police.

In the last year the number attacked has increased by a third and in 2017 so far 140 bladed weapons have been used to threaten officers.

In 2017, just under 1,000 officers were injured after being attacked. That cost the force £7.1 million in lost time.

This move, which will be presented to the Scottish Authority Board next Tuesday (19th), is in a bid to protect officers against attacks.

The service has been carrying out a programme of engagement with the Scottish Police Authority, national and local politicians, and other key stakeholders to explain the plan to increase the deployment of Taser before the specially trained officers are in place.

They will be based in each division across Scotland and the first will be in place from May 2018.

Deputy Chief Constable Johnny Gwynne, Crime and Operational Support, said: “Our officers are facing increasing threats of violence from people with knives and other bladed weapons. We’ve also seen an increase in the number of officers attacked while carrying out their everyday duties.

“We will shortly begin the selection process for around 500 conventional uniformed officers to be trained to carry Taser.

“These officers will be deployed at the heart of local policing in all 13 divisions across Scotland, helping to keep their colleagues and the public safe and bringing Police Scotland into line with forces throughout the UK.

“Ultimately, this move is about keeping the public safe, which is at the heart of what we do.