Tasers began being trialled in regional Victoria at Bendigo and Morwell in 2010, with further trials at pilot stations in early 2016.

Warrnambool was the first south-west station to use the devices, with officers having access to them since earlier this year.

Sergeant Martin Flannery of Portland police welcomed the rollout of the Tasers.

“We’re looking forward to having an additional useful option to be used in the appropriate circumstances,” Sergeant Flannery said.

“It’s a positive step for us.”

He said the Portland station had taken delivery of the Tasers but officers were still undergoing training.

Officers have to undertake a two-day training course before being able to carry the Tasers, which are also known as a conducted energy devices or CEDs.

Sergeant David Walkley of Hamilton police said Hamilton officers were dealing with an “increase in violent confrontations”.

“It’s a statewide trend,” Sergeant Walkley said.

“Tasers are another non-lethal tactical option to help us with the resolution of critical incidents.”

Deputy Commissioner Wendy Steendam said Tasers gave police another non-lethal when dealing with violent people or people threatening self-harm.

“Unfortunately over recent years there has been an increase in the number of incidents where police have been confronted by armed and violent people and those who are drug or alcohol affected,” Deputy Commissioner Steendam said.

“These are often physical confrontations where police, members of the community and the individuals themselves are at risk of being injured. Once our officers are trained in their use, CEDs can provide an additional tactical option to help resolve some of these high risk incidents.

“They can only be used when it’s believed it will prevent death or serious injury. In many cases, the presentation of a CED alone can help to safely diffuse a situation.”

She said Victoria Police had strict accountability processes in place to monitor and record the use of CEDs, including video recording when one was presented and deployed. In total, police at 37 stations will have CEDs, with the rollout continuing until mid-2018.