Volunteer officers working for British Transport Police have become the first "specials" in the UK to carry Tasers. They begin carrying the devices today (Friday, May 27) in a move which follows a controversial decision by the Home Secretary.
Priti Patel last week unveiled plans to give special constables powers to use the disabling weapons. They temporarily incapacitate a person by delivering an electric current through two small-barbed darts.
British Transport Police's first cohort of 22 volunteer officers have completed a three-day course on using the devices before being allowed to carry them on duty. It is the same training that regular officers receive.
