'No contest' - Echo readers have their say on country's police officers carrying Tasers

A multi-million pound Government fund has been made available to supply police forces in England and Wales with Taser stun guns.

We asked readers in our daily Facebook poll: “Do you think every officer should be allowed to carry a Taser?”

More than 1,200 voters took part in the poll and a majority of 86% said ‘yes’ in response to the question, agreeing that every officer should be allowed to carry a Taser.

This is what readers had to say on our Facebook page:

Shaza Storey said: “I certainly wouldn't want all police to be armed with guns.

“I’d like to keep guns away from streets, but tasers when necessary are needed.”

Brian Jackson said: “For me it’s imperative that the protection of our police comes first and if supplying them all with tasers does that then so be it.”

Margaret Ramshaw said: “This day and age every policeman should carry guns, when you go abroad all police are armed, you have to move with the times.”

Michael Butler said: “No contest. With immediate effect.”

Patrick Lesca said: “They don’t carry firearms to start with so this is a must have requirement to protect themselves.”

Shaun Carroll said: “SHOULD be carrying real side arms.”

Brenda Bestford said: “There should be more police on the beat.”