Humberside Police have the second highest rate of Taser use in the country, a report has revealed.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said the weapon, which fires a 50,000-volt shock, was used 462 times last year. With an average of 25 uses per 100 officers, the force was second only to Staffordshire Police, with an average of 33 uses.
A "use" means the weapon has been drawn, rather than fired. Police say the threat of a Taser is often enough to ensure someone complies with officers.
In response to the figures, the IPCC said the weapon may be overused and is calling for more monitoring of its use.
IPCC Commissioner Cindy Butts said: "The IPCC has always accepted that there are legitimate reasons for using Taser in policing and that it can be a valuable tool in assisting police officers to manage difficult and challenging situations.
"However, in light of the significant increase in Taser use, it is important to ensure the device is being used appropriately and not as a default choice where other tactical options, including communication, could be effective.
"For that reason, it is very important that each individual use can be justified and that forces closely analyse the extent and type of use."
The watchdog said it also has concerns about Tasers being used on people in custody, people with mental health issues and in drive-stun mode, when it is applied directly to the body.
IPCC Commissioner James Dipple-Johnstone said: "The IPCC has major concerns about the use of Tasers in drive-stun mode, where the Taser is applied directly to the body without a cartridge rather than fired from a distance.
"When used in this way it is purely a means of pain compliance.
"Yet, in several of the cases we reviewed, where it was used for the purpose of gaining compliance, it had the opposite effect."
No one from Humberside Police was available for comment.
