In mid-June Premier Nathan Rees announced $10 million would be allocated to provide 1,962 tasers across NSW over the next 18 months, as well as low-bearing vests for officers equipped with the guns.

“The tasers are part of the 2009/10 record $2.6 billion police budget,” Mr Rees said.

Starting on July 1, all trained first response police officers will carry tasers as standard equipment.

The training includes eight hours of initial instruction, passing a written test with a minimum score of 80 per cent and annual

recertification.

Police Minister Tony Kelly said tasers had been trialled by specialist police units for a number of years.

Mr Kelly said taser guns had been available to senior frontline police since October last year.

“People are already getting the message about the taser’s effectiveness – the mere sight of the taser was enough to resolve the conflict in 55 per cent of the times it was pulled from the holster,” Mr Kelly said.

“We have strict accountability measures for the taser including the recording of audio and visual data for each use with tasercam, which is then reviewed by the Deputy Commissioner.”