POLICE chiefs are to extend the use of controversial Taser guns in Greater Manchester.

The 50,000-volt electric shock weapons have previously only been issued to firearms-trained officers but will now be used by other officers, including those dealing with vehicle crime.

The Home Office plans to make thousands more Taser guns available to officers around the country after trials at 10 police forces.

But it is up to individual forces to decide if they wish to equip their officers with the weapons.

The Metropolitan and Sussex forces have already decided not to issue Tasers to officers who are not firearms trained, but Greater Manchester Police has decided to expand the use of the guns and put in a bid for 300 more weapons.

Officers will be trained in the use of the Tasers before they are issued with the weapons but they will no longer have to be trained in the use of firearms before they can go on the course.

Inspector Andy Fitton of Greater Manchester Police's Specialist Operations Branch said: "Tasers are an effective and safe option for police officers to use in violent situations.

"Experience has shown that often, the mere threat of their use can defuse a dangerous situation safely, protecting both the public and officers from harm.

"GMP has an excellent record in deploying Taser appropriately and as is currently the case, officers who will be issued with a Taser will receive the highest quality of training to maintain our excellent standards."

Chief Superintendent Phil Hollowood of Greater Manchester Police's Specialist Operations Branch added: "Following the successful trial in 10 forces across the country, GMP quickly made the decision to train a wider selection of officers in the use of Tasers.

"The decision was made following consultation with officers and staff associations and will see all officers from the Tactical Aid Unit, Tactical Vehicle Crime Unit, Special Escort Group and selected divisional officers fully trained in the use of Tasers."

There has been opposition to the use of Tasers from some campaigners in the UK after the weapons were blamed for deaths in America.

Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Tom Brake also found extending the use of Tasers will take up 60,000 officer days as each undergoes 18 hours of training.

He said: "Tasers should be left in the hands of specially trained firearms officers.

"Tasers have killed over 300 people in America since 2001 and yet the Home Office maintains that they are non-lethal.

"In a time of recession, with crime on the rise, it would be far better to spend tight police budgets putting more bobbies on the beat than on putting Tasers in their pockets.

"It is equally ridiculous that the Home Office is lavishing millions on Tasers when some police forces do not want even want them.

"By giving 30,000 officers Tasers we are descending the slippery slope towards fully armed, US-style policing."

The Metropolitan Police Authority has also said increasing Taser use has the potential to "cause fear and damage public confidence".

The Independent Police Complaints Commission is investigating an incident in Nottingham during which a 40-year-old man was shot repeatedly with a Taser and punched in the head by police.

A Home Office spokesman said: "We are committed to providing the police with the tools necessary to do their job to protect the public. However, it is up to individual police forces to decide whether they want to deploy them.

"Taser provides the police with an additional option that is less lethal than conventional firearms.

"They can be used by police officers in specially trained units who are facing violence or threats of violence of such severity that they would need to use force to protect the public and themselves."