Kent Police is planning to hand out hundreds more tasers to its officers as it aims to tackle a rise in violent crime across the county.

Every one of its officers who is likely to have to deal with violent incidents while on duty will now be given the chance to take up the force's training and accreditation programme to carry the weapon.

Those who pass through the course will then be offered a taser at the end, which guidance states must be used proportionately and reasonably.

Currently, the force maintains specially-trained teams of officers armed with the device, who are able to assist their colleagues whenever called upon and these teams will remain in place.

As little as three months ago, deputy chief constable Tony Blaker said there were no plans to arm all officers with tasers, however the rise in violence appears to have since sparked a rethink.

Between 2010 and 2018, figures for knife crime in Kent showed a 152 per cent increase, the largest in England and Wales over that time, while Home Office figures show there were 1,112 assaults on police officers in 2017/18.

It comes as the force has also announced a crackdown on knife crime, though police chiefs insist no officer will be mandated to carry a taser.

Chief Constable Alan Pughsley said: "We are recruiting and deploying more new officers thanks to increases in funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner, but I am increasingly of the view that it isn’t enough when we are dealing with violent county lines organised crime.

"Violent crime and assaults on officers are rising and we are dealing with a criminal element who think nothing of carrying – and using – the most appalling knives against each other, against people they wish to rob and victimise, and ultimately against those that stand between them and their victims: the police.

"During my time as Chief Constable of Kent Police I have steadily increased the availability of taser to officers in roles that meet this sort of aggression and violence head on.

"The deployment of more taser-trained officers enhances our ability to robustly deal with incidents involving bladed weapons and make the public and officers safer.

"I am firmly of the view that it is now the right thing to do."

Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott added: "I’m delighted to have been able to approve the Chief Constable’s business case for further investment in Taser.

"It’s absolutely vital that we give officers the equipment they need to keep themselves and the public safe.

"By giving Taser to every officer who wants one, and who passes the course, we’re sending a strong message - that our people, who are our number one asset, are a top priority.

"Through my current mechanisms, including the Performance and Delivery Board, I will continue to hold the force to account on issues such as use of force and officers’ welfare so we can continue to keep Kent a safe place to live, work and visit."

Kent Police Federation chairman Chris Carter also welcomed the news.

He said: “It’s a position and a decision that Kent Police Federation fully supports in the interests of officers being equipped with the right equipment to do their job - and it reduces the chances of them being assaulted.

"According to Government figures, 1,112 Kent Police officers were assaulted on duty last year. That’s more than 20 a week, which is totally unacceptable.

“Very often, often the mere presence of Taser can help to control volatile and violent situations so having all police officers with this equipment in the county should help increase our colleagues’ safety.

"With the escalation of violent crime and knife crime, the increased presence of Taser will help also keep the public safe and assist officers in dealing with those who choose to commit these types of offences.

“Policing has changed considerably, even since the introduction of Taser. Two officers per day are assaulted in Kent by violent thugs, and the scourge of knife crime and county lines criminality from London is increasing the risk all the time.

“It’s great to see Kent Police is investing in its front line officers and supporting them with the essential tools needed to do their job both properly and safely.”

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