The policeman who used a Taser to subdue Troy Smith was trained to operate the device, the Police Complaints Authority said yesterday.

The authority is investigating a complaint from Mr. Smith that he was beaten by Police last month, leaving him with a broken nose, sprained jaw, two broken cheekbones and a broken bone above one of his eyelids.

The official grievance from the 28-year-old's lawyer alleges that two officers pepper sprayed and Tasered him before one used "tremendous force" to kick him in the head several times outside his family's home in Spanish Point.

The two policemen named in the complaint have been suspended from operational duty while Police conduct a criminal investigation into the claim.

Smith, meanwhile, has been charged with assaulting an officer and violently resisting arrest and is due to stand trial in November. He denies the offences.

The Police Complaints Authority said in a statement yesterday it had looked at Bermuda Police Service's "use of force policy" and accountability measures for Taser use.

"The Police Complaints Authority supports the public's right to know what is expected of the Police in collaboration with the BPS focus on partnerships, priorities and performance," it said.

"The training requirement [for Taser use] covers an eight-hour course that includes four hours of theory and three hours of practical training and a written test.

"Once trained, an officer is confirmed by the [Police] Commissioner and authorised to use the Taser. The Police Complaints Authority has confirmed that the officer who used the Taser on Mr. Troy Smith has completed the required training, been authorised by the Commissioner and promulgated under general orders.

"A use of Taser investigation has been launched by the Bermuda Police Service and the Police Complaints Authority is waiting on the investigation report for review."

PCA chairman Michelle St. Jane told The Royal Gazette on August 16 that the authority would review the Police report, once received, at its next meeting.

A Police spokesman said the criminal investigation into the conduct of the two officers continued.