With the news that Police Officers will now be carrying Tasers, The Royal Gazette took to the streets of Hamilton to get opinions from everyday Bermudians on the matter.

Asked the question: "Do you think tasers are a necessary crime-fighting tool in Bermuda or do you think that it is going too far?"

Generally those who spoke to this newspaper viewed tasers as a necessary evil in the fight against violent crime. And while most claimed to approve of the "non-lethal" device there were shared concerns regarding potential health hazards and Police abuse.

"I think it is appropriate for Police to carry tasers," said Diana Rodriguez, from Pembroke. "Obviously they need some means to try and stop all the violence. I think it will make people more cautious about committing a crime if they know that Police have Tasers now."

Shereika Darrel, from Pembroke, said: "I don't think that it is an extreme step but Police should only use them in appropriate situations. I think using a Taser should be the last resort for an officer and should only be used on someone armed with a weapon."

And Bev Taylor, from Pembroke, questioned how harmful 50,000 volts of electricity could be to a person.

She asked: "Have they looked at possible side-effects and the potential for injury. Is it possible that the same weapon could fall into the hands of the offender, and who decided that Tasers are the best option for Bermuda?"

Jamar Abbu, from Dockyard, said that he felt Police should have had Tasers years ago but fears their use could get out of hand.

"I feel like it is overdue and I am not surprised that they are carrying them now," he said. "I am not sure Bermuda is getting worse or if we are just catching up with the rest of the world. And in my opinion the Tasers won't make that much of a difference when it comes to crime. It is definitely a good measure in helping Police protect themselves but I am sure that accidents can happen and an innocent person or two probably will get tased. It also has the potential to get overused or abused by Police."

While he believed that it is unfortunate that Police have been forced to resort to carrying the Tasers, he said he wants to see them used to make a change in Bermuda.

"It's a sign of the times," said Pembroke resident Craig Outerbridge. "And I don't think that it is too extreme of a step. I agree with the idea but let's really use all of these new Police measures to really get out there and clean up these neighbourhoods – let's clean up this Island."

And fears that the use of Tasers could be abused by Police and the potential of long term injury were echoed by several individuals.

"I understand the need for Police to protect themselves but Tasers are serious business and I am worried that they will be used irresponsibly," said Ra El Sumner, from Hamilton Parish. "Everyone knows that Police can sometimes abuse their authority and I am wondering if they will go overboard with this."

Ronald DeSilva, of Devonshire, said: "I think it is a really good idea and an effective way for Police to deal with unruly and violent people," "There is always a potential for accidents though. What about people with heart problems? In the long run I would rather see Police carrying Tasers than guns. It would be bad for Bermuda if the Police began carrying firearms all the time – we don't want tourists seeing armed Police and questioning how safe they are here."

A Police officer currently vacationing in Bermuda with his family praised the use of Tasers as an effective crime-fighting tool.

Dean Decas, a Police officer from Wareham, Massachusetts, said: "Tasers are the best thing in the world. They save both officers and defendants from being hurt and they are extremely effective. If I have the Taser out when arresting somebody they generally put their hands behind their back automatically and let me arrest them. In the past, when I didn't have the Taser, those same individuals would normally resist violently. Just carrying a Taser can add an extra element of control to the officer – it is useful even if you don't fire it."

Another visitor to the Island, Nathan Weare, a hotel manager from Massachusetts said: "If it makes for a safer Island then I am all for it. We feel safe here but we have also heard about all the issues that you guys [Bermuda] are having. If visitors don't feel safe they wont come here and that would be a shame. I have been to Bermuda before and I know how safe and beautiful it is – it is unlike most other Caribbean countries. If we didn't know how safe it is in Bermuda we wouldn't have come here."

Others said that they think the Tasers will provide a powerful crime deterrent but should be highly regulated and clear guidelines for use should be laid out.

"We need as many crime deterrents as possible so as long as tasers are used appropriately I think it is a good thing especially because it may make criminals think twice before they act," said Deborah Joel, from Sandys.

Lamal Bean, from Somerset, said: "Yeah I think that the Tasers are a good thing. There are a lot of lunatics out there and a good shot will help slow them down."

Paget resident Christopher J Douglas said: "As long as they are used solely for self-defence than I am OK with it."

Amy Browne, from Southampton, said: "I think the Police need them to an extent but there needs to be some limitations to actually using them. I think that officers should only be allowed to use the tasers if they are being threatened with physical harm or a weapon."

The introduction of Tasers into the Police Service's arsenal will cost $150,000, including training. The funding however was pre-allocated in the 2009-10 Budget.

Officers will receive training from two Bermuda firearms officers who attended a course at Taser International in Scottsdale, Arizona. Certification training will include decision-based scenarios, similar to firearms training. Commissioner of Police Michael DeSilva said one in three officers on patrol each day will carry the device.