Are tasers firearms?

A member of the public caught with a stun gun will be arrested under firearms laws.

But from today this country's largest force, the Met, has deployed tasers - high voltage stun guns to over 400 non-firearms officers

To critics - the deployment of these weapons mark a wholesale change in the way we are policed.

"It could mark a shift to policing by force or pain rather than policing by consent. " - Amnesty

Police are trained to use the taser with graduated force. They warn, point the laser and finally shoot. 50,000 volts - result in what is termed a 'plywood state'

The unit undertaking the London pilot is the Met's TSG - Territorial Support Group. It deals with dangerous situations and is just one level below the firearms squad. The pilot's goal is to establish whether every normal bobby on the beat should carry the taser.

If TSG officers don't turn up in good time to support their police colleagues who call for their assistance, the argument goes, tasers should become available to yet more officers. That's unacceptable to human rights groups.

"There's a difference between a gun and a taser. Guns more lethal, but stats in US and Canada show 200 death in six years and reports show they were sometimes directly caused by use of taser. So only firearms officers should use them and so shouldn't be routine deployment." - Amnesty

Tasers have been used by firearms officers since 2003. A rule change this year has allowed non firearms units to pilot them. Ten forces have opted to do so. The Met is simply the most recent. But tasers have been controversial. Despite concerns, Police insist tasers are safe and will only be used within strict guidelines.

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