The New Zealand Police will review medical data showing taser guns could deliver a potentially deadly charge.
Tasers are being reintroduced to regions where police initially trialled them, following the decision by Police Commissioner Howard Broad to reintroduce the stun guns.
Thirty-two tasers are already available to selected Armed Offenders Squad staff in Wellington and Auckland and more will be delivered to other police districts next year.
However, in Canada, 24 tasers have been withdrawn from service after reports that new and older models could cause cardiac arrest.
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation investigated 41 of the electric stun guns used by US agencies and says independent tests showed four of them fired charges up to 60% greater than the supposed maximum of 50,000 volts.
The findings prompted the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to carry out their own tests on 24 tasers bought before 2006. The X-26 units tested are the same model of taser adopted by the New Zealand police for the past two years.
Superintendent John Rivers told Checkpoint on Wednesday that police in New Zealand are aware of the concerns and they are being taken seriously.
"The New Zealand Police certainly note the assertions and we'll refer that information to advisers and experts and seek advice. There's some important due diligence requirements of us and we'll step up to the plate and follow through appropriately."
Mr Rivers says the issue will be referred to an external medical advisory group as well as experts in the United Kingdom.
Successful trial
The roll-out follows a decision by Police Commissioner Howard Broad the reintroduce tasers, after a successful trial which ended last year.
Officers in those areas have completed their training with the weapons and can now use them if necessary.
General officers in the other trial districts of Waitamata and Counties Manukau will start training in February, when the weapons become available.
Each taser will be fitted with an audio and video recording facility, which records as soon as the weapon is switched on.
Of the officers surveyed after last year's trial, 88% thought the availability of the weapon had a positive impact on their performance.
