WEST Mercia Police has become one of the first forces in the country to receive new equipment to tackle armed offenders.
The force will begin carrying the Taser - which uses an electrical impulse to incapacitate a person - from today.
The equipment has undergone rigorous tests by the Police Scientific Development Branch and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory before being approved for use by police forces.
Inspector John Alder, of West Mercia's Firearms School, said while it was a useful additional tool, it could not be regarded as a replacement for any of the 'less lethal' options or firearms carried by officers.
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