The debate on E-Weapons: Are they effective in reducing physical altercations?

In the face of rising violent crime and attacks on police officers, the debate around the use of tasers as a non-lethal alternative to traditional weapons is gaining momentum.

The use of tasers, electronic impulse devices that incapacitate attackers, is becoming increasingly widespread. All special forces units at the federal and state levels are equipped with them, and in ten states, they are used for patrol duty or support forces. The latest model of the Taser, with a magazine containing ten darts, can be fired from over 13 meters away.

However, the use of tasers is not without controversy. The German federal government has approved a legislative proposal to equip the federal police with tasers, while some states limit their use to trained special units. The ongoing public and organizational debate highlights risks such as severe heart rhythm disturbances and human rights concerns raised by the UN Committee against Torture.

In dynamic deployment situations where officers are threatened or attacked with knives or weapons, the use of a taser is not suitable, according to the Ministry of the Interior in Baden-Württemberg. The probability of reliable attachment of taser dart electrodes decreases in highly dynamic situations.

Officers on the street often have to deal with drug-addicted or mentally disturbed people who are sometimes no longer approachable or insensitive to pain. In such extreme situations, options like baton or pepper spray may not be effective. The high de-escalating effect of the taser, even when threatened, is a significant advantage over other deployment means, according to the Federal Ministry of the Interior.

Advocates argue that tasers can fill the gap between the baton and the firearm, potentially saving lives. In fact, 91% of critical deployment situations could be de-escalated by the mere threat of a taser, according to Axon representative Christian Scherf.

However, tasers can have fatal consequences for certain groups, including the elderly, pregnant women, and people with heart problems, according to Amnesty International. At least ten such deaths have occurred in Germany since 2021. Tasers can also have unpredictable health consequences for those affected.

The use of firearms has serious consequences not only for the perpetrators but also for those who have to pull the trigger. In the past year, four people died in Bavaria alone from police bullets, the highest number since 1997. Ralf Kusterer, deputy federal chairman of the German Police Union, states that the spiral of violence is constantly increasing.

The high training and education requirement associated with the use of tasers is another factor to consider. On average, 305 police officers were victims of criminal offenses every day, according to statistics. With the increasing use of tasers, the need for regular and intensive training becomes even more crucial.

As the debate continues, it is clear that finding a balance between public safety and the welfare of those involved is a complex and delicate matter. The use of tasers, while potentially a life-saving tool, requires careful consideration and ongoing evaluation to ensure they are used responsibly and effectively.