SPECIAL Constables are to be armed with tasers in a huge boost to their powers.
Home Secretary Priti Patel will tell the Police Federation today that 9,000 part-time volunteers will be trained with the electric stun guns.
Policing minister Kit Malthouse said last night it would end their dangerous disadvantage when facing an attacker wielding a knife or a marauding terrorist.
Those who do a year of service, with 200 hours on the beat, will qualify.
Britain’s most famous PCSO is singer Rod Stewart’s wife Penny Lancaster, 51, who is a volunteer special constable for City of London Police.
Ms Patel will also use her address today to say police reforms are needed after PC Wayne Couzens raped and murdered Sarah Everard.
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She will say: “This horrendous case — and other revelations — have undermined confidence in the police.
“The public are in urgent need of reassurance.”
PM Boris Johnson will today host a special “Crime Week” Cabinet to unveil new measures to get knives off the streets and tackle drug gangs, amid a record murder rate for teenagers in London.
Last night, Mr Malthouse told Trending In The News: “Since 2019, a staggering 50,000 knives and other weapons have been removed from our streets through stop and search, surrender initiatives and assertive police action.
“This week we are announcing the permanent relaxation of rules on stop and search powers, giving officers more flexibility and the confidence they need to find and remove knives, swords and machetes.”
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New rehabilitation measures for young offenders will also be announced on Friday.
The PM said last night: “This government is determined to crack down on violence and restore confidence in our justice system.”
