The BTP was the first UK force to make this move after former Home Secretary Priti Patel reversed the previous ban in May 2022.

Cheshire Police has become the latest force to equip its specials with Taser, joining several others who have made the move since volunteer officers became authorised to carry the device last year.

Experienced specials across the force will soon be able to apply to undertake the training, and must undertake the same four-day course as their full-time colleagues before they can carry.

Cheshire has around 170 specials though not all will be issued Tasers. 

Only those who have frontline experience, of which at least twelve months has been spent qualified to patrol independently, will be eligible to carry the device. 

The officers must also be members of the Police Federation, a requirement that Cheshire has supported.

Special Constabulary Chief Officer Leon Boland, said: "The Special Constabulary plays a huge part in day-to-day policing here in Cheshire, giving over 5,000 hours a month, our volunteers regularly dedicate incredible amounts of their own time to maintain public and police safety.

"Specials often attend emergency incidents first, putting themselves in danger alongside full-time officers to protect people in our community."

He says being able to carry Taser will ensure specials are "further able to protect themselves and the general public".

In May 2022 the BTP became the first UK force to equip its specials with Taser, shortly after the move had been given the go-ahead by former Home Secretary Priti Patel.

Leicestershire, Kent and South Wales Police have followed since, with Cheshire the first force in the north west to move in this direction.