U.K. Ministry of Defense tests Tasers

LONDON, April 18 (UPI) -- The British Ministry of Defense says it has begun testing a new Taser for police to use as a weapon that is a less lethal option.

The Ministry of Defense Police says they have begun testing of the X26 Taser as part of a five-month trial. More than 60 officers recently participated in a two-day training course as part of an assessment to add the Taser to the officer's non-lethal defenses.

"The results of the assessment will be gauged to ensure the Taser is able to be used alongside all other Ministry of Defense Police operational equipment," Sgt. Rob Lowe, operational support spokesperson, said in a statement.

"Because of the military aspects of the environment that we work in the carrying of Tasers at Ministry of Defense sites must take into account different operational and safety considerations from those considered when it was approved by the Home Office, so it requires this separate endorsement."