A NEW model of Taser is being rolled out by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary and Thames Valley Police which has been designed to be much safer when deployed.

The Taser 7 (T7) is described as a "more effective" instrument and will replace the current X2 model from the beginning of next month.

Assistant Chief Constable Rob France said: "Officers undertake an extensive training course accredited by the College of Policing in order to use the T7 in the field."Basingstoke Gazette:

SEE ALSO: What would you do if you were in charge of Basingstoke?

He continued: "Training consists of realistic scenarios, which allow officers to determine when the use of a Taser is appropriate, and equally when it isn't the right scenario."

The T7 will be used by the joint operations unit in order to "make our communities safer".

The conductive energy device rectifies faults of the previous X2 model, with a 25ft maximum range and twice as much kinetic energy which allows for clothing penetration and better accuracy.

SEE ALSO: Government invests in rural areas in Basingstoke and Test Valley

This new device features two cartridges, one for close quarters, and one for longer "stand-off" encounters.

The different cartridges allow for a more effective tase, which Rob France stressed is safer for all involved: "When officers are facing high levels of violence, the T7 is by far the safer option for both officer and subject"

ACC France added: "The use of the T7 means that officers can avoid using other forms of force."