Tasers have been used in England and Wales

Ian Gordon, the deputy chief constable of Tayside, wants Scotland's eight police forces to be issued with the controversial Taser.

But human rights campaigners are concerned the weapons are dangerous.

The Taser can fire barbs up to 21ft, delivering a 50,000-volt shock which is billed as a "less lethal" alternative to conventional guns.

'Difficult to approach'

Mr Gordon told The Scotsman newspaper that he had been impressed with trials of the gun in five constabularies across England and Wales.

The police chief said: "The evidence available so far is that Tasers are highly effective. The situation is that the trial has proved very useful.

"The Taser is suited to incidents where an individual is violent and is difficult to approach and restrain.

"It may provide a good alternative to baton guns and incapacitant sprays in confined areas of action where they may be a risk of collateral injury to others."

They do appear to be dangerous and there is enough concern about their safety to make us treat them with caution. John Watson Amnesty International

Mr Gordon will present a report calling for the introduction of the weapon to the September meeting of the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (Acpos).

The Taser temporarily disables the subject with a powerful electrical current, thus reducing the need for officers to tackle subjects at close range.

The Home Office has been examining the safety of the gun for two years and a decision on its future in England is expected within the next month.

They have been used about 50 times between May 2003 and June this year only by specialist firearms officers in situations where they faced armed suspects.

'Strict guidelines'

But research in the US claimed the weapon is extremely dangerous for people with weak hearts.

Amnesty International Scotland spokesman John Watson said: "They do appear to be dangerous and there is enough concern about their safety to make us treat them with caution.

"If they are introduced it must be done under strict regulations and guidelines. There should be particular officers trained to use them under strict guidelines."

The stun gun is made by Arizona-based Taser International, which claims it has saved more than 4,000 lives since 1999.