TASERS could soon be rolled out to Victoria Police.

The controversial devices, which administer an electric shock, have been trialled for more than a year although a single shot is yet to be fired in Victoria.

It came as Chief Commissioner Ken Lay announced the appointment of three new deputy commissioners who join him after a tumultuous 12 months for the force's brass.

Mr Lay said the force would make a formal announcement about the taser roll out in the "next week or so".

"We are very, very close to making a decision and an announcement about our next stage of the taser roll out," he said.

"There are some issues we need to resolve.

"We make the point that tasers are not the answer to every issue, they're simply another tool.

"I think we've seen enough evidence to show that in some places at some times they have a use."

But Mr Lay said although tasers were useful, lethal force could also be warranted.

"The trick is for us to make sure that we get the balance right," he said.

Police association secretary Greg Davies said people hit by a tasers experienced pain, but it was better than being shot.

"Yes it's painful but it's painful for a very short time," Sen-Sgt Davies said. "I'd still rather be shot in the chest with a taser than a 9mm semi-automatic."

Tasers are fitted with a red beam that not only aids aim but sends a warning to the target. They are also equipped with a video which films all incidents.

The charge is also timed.

Mr Lay said his new team would deliver in spades.

The new deputy commissioners are Lucinda Nolan, who takes on recruitment, Graham Ashton, who continues running the crime portfolio, and Tim Cartwright, who has been given the high-profile job of road policing.

Mr Lay officially took over as top cop four months ago after a series of internal problems that had plagued senior command.

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