Federal Police to Acquire Tasers Despite Health Concerns

The Federal Police in Germany are set to receive Tasers as part of a new initiative by the government aimed at enhancing law enforcement capabilities. This decision, made by the cabinet in Berlin, is awaiting approval from the Bundestag.

Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt emphasized the necessity of equipping police officers with these devices, particularly in situations where there is a need to keep a potentially violent person at a distance. Tasers, distinguished by their bright yellow color, fire wires that attach to the target's skin and deliver painful electric shocks, incapacitating individuals temporarily without the long-term health risks associated with firearms.

The Federal Police have been testing various Taser models since 2020, with around 200 specially trained officers utilizing them in over 40,000 operations. Reports indicate that Tasers were threatened to be used in 132 instances, with 16 actual deployments. The Federal Ministry of the Interior regards the Taser as an effective addition to their operational toolkit.

While Tasers have been employed in the United States for many years and have been adopted by police forces in ten German states, some regions continue to oppose their use, citing significant health risks, particularly for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions or those under the influence of drugs. Critics argue that the introduction of Tasers could increase stress for officers in high-pressure situations, necessitating clear regulations concerning their use.

Dobrindt, however, noted that the call for Tasers has come predominantly from within the police force itself, highlighting their potential for de-escalation. The mere presence of a Taser can often defuse a situation before it escalates further.

The proposed legislation outlines that the use of firearms should always be a last resort. The introduction of electroshock weapons is seen as a means to provide law enforcement with a broader range of tools to manage confrontations appropriately. The government plans to procure 10,000 Tasers over the next few years, with an initial budget of 5 million euros allocated for 2025, and a similar amount earmarked for subsequent years, subject to adjustments.