NEWS that police will have access to powerful Taser stun guns during the Gleneagles G8 summit not only casts further searching light on the massive security precautions for this event but also on the protocols governing resort to such weaponry.

The Taser gun has been blamed by Amnesty International for the deaths of 104 civilians in the US and Canada last year. The guns fire electric wires and deliver 50,000-volt shocks to their targets. They will be available to trained officers within weeks, with police chiefs authorised to deploy them if necessary during the conference.

Few doubt the increasing dangers the police now face, whether it is dealing with violent crime, maverick armed individuals or direct attack from terrorists or violent protesters. These threats have escalated in recent years. Police forces require - and deserve - the best that technology can offer in disarming or immobilising violent assault by those who are otherwise difficult to approach or restrain. In return, the public needs assurance that training for Tasers is rigorous and that the rules of engagement governing their deployment are clear, unambiguous and strictly enforced. They should be considered as an alternative to using a gun and should only be deployed in life-threatening situations. Let us hope effective police stewarding means that the Taser stays locked in the armoury next month.