ALMOST 90 per cent of police officers would like to carry a weapon while on duty - after a spate of high profile attacks on officers.

Police Federation research found 89 per cent of 6,800 officers wanted to carry a Taser or similar electroshock weapon.

Cumbria’s police and crime commissioner welcomed the proposal in the main, but emphasised the complexities of a universal rollout.

Peter McCall said: “In principle I strongly support officers being equipped with Taser, especially in cases where for example they may be single crewed or working in isolated and remote areas. We should do all we can to protect those who do a dangerous job to serve us. Like all issues there are complexities and I have spoken to many officers who would not want to carry Taser.

“Key to this issue is the operational requirement, based on threat assessment, in accordance with nationally agreed guidelines and the National Police Chiefs’ Council.”

Mr McCall says the force will not rush into any decision.

“Here in Cumbria approximately one third of frontline uniformed officers already qualify to carry TASER (more than many forces) and the chief constable and her team are currently reviewing the level of need.

“I will be guided by the chief constable as to whether or not we need to increase TASER issue, officer and public safety being the paramount consideration.”

The survey comes after a series of high profile attacks on police, including the death of PC Andrew Harper, who was killed while responding to reports of a burglary in Berkshire last month.

In Cumbria, police dog handler Diane Irving was attacked by 23-year-old Kieron Murray, after trying to help him from the ground.

He was handed a 10-month jail term last year.

The poll suggests more than eight in 10 police officers want to carry stun guns such as Tasers and would feel safer with them. The data also found 97 per cent of officers believed colleagues should be allowed to routinely carry the devices.

On Monday the National Police Chiefs’ Council commissioned an urgent review of officer safety, including equipment.

But while chairman Martin Hewitt said chief constables are increasing the number of TASER-trained officers, he stressed: “TASER is not the answer to all violent or threatening situations.”

The latest official figures show a 27 per cent rise in the number of assaults on PCs resulting in injury in the last year.

Secretary of Cumbria Police Federation, Paul Senior said: “In light of the recent - and sadly increasingly violent attacks on police officers - it is no surprise more and more officers wish to avail themselves of the full repertoire of defence options, both for themselves and the public we serve.

“Tasers are undoubtedly effective, both as a deterrent and a less lethal use of force when violence is confronted. The force continues to evaluate its use and is in constant consultation with ourselves on the most efficient and effective means of deploying both lethal and less lethal options within the constabulary.”

Mr Senior added: “Whilst we would definitely support a wider roll out of Taser, the cost of the product and the significant cost of ongoing training is a serious consideration for which funding should be provided outwith existing budgets.

“Our officers are already well trained in the use of a number of less lethal options as well as having an established and highly skilled workforce providing firearms cover for the force.”

It has to be remembered that Cumbria does remain an extremely safe county within which to live and work. This fact should provide some consolation but the levels of abuse and violence towards Police Officers is undoubtedly on the increase and Officers should have as many options available to them should they wish.

I would go further and state the courts and CPS have a major role to play in prosecuting alleged offenders and sentencing them appropriately when any member of the Emergency services are assaulted whilst carrying out their duties. All Police Officers understand the risks they take every day but sadly there is still a feeling from my colleagues that some sections of the judiciary view it as “part of the job”, it most certainly is not.

Last year the maximum jail term for people who attack emergency services workers was increased from six to 12 months.

Chairman of the Police Federation John Apter said: “We have seen violent crime soar and an increase in the number of assaults on police officers.

“I travel around the country and often patrol with my colleagues in different forces across England and Wales. They are telling me that they often feel vulnerable and isolated without this vital protective equipment.“It’s time for the government to set aside ring-fenced funding for TASER, and for chief officers to do what’s necessary for officers to be able to protect themselves and the public and roll out TASER to all frontline officers who wish to carry it.”