DOUBLE the number of Taser guns could soon be in the hands of cops policing Swindon’s streets.

Wiltshire police have asked for an extra 85 of the high voltage stun guns under a Government initiative to allow the weapons to be used by more frontline officers.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith announced plans to hand the stun guns to all of Swindon’s frontline cops in November.

At the time Wiltshire police had just 78 officers trained to use the devices. Only specialist firearms officers were previously allowed to use them, but new Government plans could see all response officers equipped with stun guns.

Police forces across the country will receive 6,000 new Tasers, as part of the £8m move.

Police forces have also been given an extra £2.3m fund to pay for cartridges, so the weapons can be rolled out as quick as possible.

Police spokesman Sam Edwards said: “Wiltshire Police had a total of 78 firearms officers that are also authorised to carry Tasers.

“Our minimum amount of Taser trained officers that are on patrol throughout the county at any one time is seven, and these are all from within the Armed Response Group.

“Between April 2008 and November 2008 we have actually fired the Taser five times, and it has been effective on all occasions and has not caused any serious injuries.”

Officers are only allowed to fire the Tasers as a last resort, in extreme situations, when faced with a violent suspect and no other means to capture them.

Police chiefs believe they are safer for the police and members of the public, helping to resolve conflict without injury.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said: “Every day the police put themselves in danger to protect us, the public.

“They deserve our support, so I want to give the police the tools they tell me they need to confront dangerous people.

“That is why I have given every police force the number of Tasers they have requested.

Derek Talbot, of the Association of Chief Police Officers, said: “Taser use is a proportionate, low risk means of resolving incidents where the public or officers face severe violence or the threat of such violence which cannot safely be dealt with by other means.”