A Perth and Kinross councillor has called for all police officers in the region to be armed with tasers.
The PA reported on Friday that Conservative councillor Bob Brawn wrote to the justice secretary following revelations there were 1649 assaults on police officers in Scotland.
The figures were released shortly after the murder of Thames Valley police officer Andrew Harper, who was killed whilst investigating a burglary.
The Scottish Government has now responded to Cllr Brawn, describing attacks on police officers as “despicable”.
The Blairgowrie and Glens councillor called for all officers to be armed and trained with tasers and for two-year jail sentences to be imposed on anyone who assaults an officer.
In his letter, he wrote: “Police officers are prepared to put themselves in harm’s way as a matter of course and have proved time and time again that they do so willingly to defend their community.
“Consequently, my constituents believe, a view which I support, that society must afford them an enhanced status of protection under the law - not just as individuals but for the uniform they wear and for what it represents.
“With that in mind, and the indications coming from the new home secretary, I believe that this would be a good time for Scotland’s government to take the lead.”
In his letter, he suggested “all officers be trained in the use of tasers and be permanently armed with them.”
Cllr Brawn also told the justice secretary Humza Yousaf he thinks anyone “found guilty of assaulting a police officer should carry a minimum prison term of at least two years without any chance of early release.”
He believes a life sentence “without any chance of early release” should be imposed on anyone found guilty of murdering a police officer.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Attacks against the police are despicable.
“The courts already have extensive powers to deal robustly with perpetrators, and offenders can face penalties up to life imprisonment for the most serious attacks.
“We fully support effective action being taken against those assaulting emergency service staff.
“Any change to the use of tasers is an operational decision for the chief constable and the Scottish Police Authority, as the responsible oversight authority for policing.
“Tasers are only used in the most serious incidents to ensure the safety of the public and officers – any decision to extend their rollout would require further engagement with a wide range of stakeholders.”
Cllr Brawn told the PA: “Whilst I am pleased to see the Scottish Government values the work and dedication of the police, it fails to recognise the need for the enhanced protection that the law should provide to those that uphold it often at great personal risk.
“Perhaps, as to be expected, there is no reaction to the suggestion of a minimum term of imprisonment for assaulting an officer and life imprisonment for murder, neither with the option of early release.
“The question of arming all officers with tasers is an operational decision but I support the need for this to be done.
“All officers need to be equipped with the necessary equipment to defend themselves in any given situation and they must be free to use these as they see fit.
“Above all else, the most important thing is that every officer goes home after their shift has finished.”
