South Yorkshire Police use tasers 23 times in a year

POLICE have zapped people with tasers on 23 occasions since more than 230 officers were trained in their use a year ago.

The figures emerged as South Yorkshire Police released the details of a report into the use of the weapons which stun targets with a 50,000 volt shock.

SYP also revealed that the weapons, which transmit the charge through two small darts shot from a specially designed gun, had also been aimed at human targets as a deterrent on 76 occasions over the same period.

A police spokesman said: “Taser is a safe and effective way of gaining control of a violent incident quickly and minimising the risks to all present.

“They are used to ensure the safety of the public and officers and will only be used when they are deemed the most appropriate equipment.

“For example, discharges have included preventing attempted suicides, on people who have assaulted emergency services staff and to calm down domestic abuse situations.”