MORE Dorset Police officers could be trained in the use of controversial Tasers.

The force is currently reviewing the number of trained officers but stresses no decisions have been made.

The review comes as more than a quarter of police forces in England and Wales have increased, or are considering increasing, the number of officers carrying Tasers, sometimes known as stun guns.

Many have cited concerns about terrorism and other safety fears.

Tasers hit the headlines earlier this month when former professional football player Dalian Atkinson died 90 minutes after police shot him with a Taser.

The 48-year-old ex-Aston Villa striker was shot after an altercation at the home of his elderly father in Shropshire and, since his death, there have been calls to reduce the use of Tasers.

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, Martyn Underhill said: “The use of Tasers is a controversial topic and I have challenged the force in the past about their policies and procedures in this area. It is my role to scrutinise the force’s use of Taser, not dictate when they are used.

“On average, a Taser is drawn twice a week and fired twice a month in Dorset. Officers sometimes need to use these devices to protect themselves and the wider community which should always be proportionate and justified.

“In light of recent events, the force are currently reviewing the number of Taser trained officers, but no decisions have been made yet.”

A spokesman for Dorset Police added: “Dorset Police is currently reviewing the number of specially trained units equipped with Taser that the Force has and how they are dispersed across the county. No decisions have been made to increase numbers at this time.”