Police: Buschmann: For the use of Tasers in all federal states

With a view to violence against emergency services, such as during the New Year’s Eve riots, Federal Justice Minister Marco Buschmann has spoken out in favor of the use of distance electrical impulse devices (“Tasers”) in all federal states. In contrast, the criminal protection of emergency services can already be adequately guaranteed today, the FDP politician wrote to Berlin’s Justice Senator Felor Badenberg (independent), who is currently chairwoman of the Conference of Justice Ministers of the states. “It is necessary to use these instruments consistently. Difficulties in identifying perpetrators cannot be solved by tightening criminal regulations,” said Buschmann in the letter, which was first reported by the “Tagesspiegel” on Saturday. It was also available to the German Press Agency.

Buschmann referred to the result of an audit that the federal states’ justice ministers requested after the riots on New Year’s Eve/New Year 2023. As a result, he sees no need to tighten the law. “However, the best possible equipment for police officers undoubtedly contributes to the effective protection of emergency services,” said Buschmann. Data collection indicates that Tasers “have a preventative effect, which is why I would like to encourage the examination of widespread use in those federal states where this is not yet the case.”

Rhineland-Palatinate was the first federal state to introduce Tasers at the end of 2018. With the distance electrical impulse device, police officers should be able to keep an attacker at a distance – without the risk of fatal injury as with a firearm. The police officer shoots arrows connected to wire from a distance of two to five meters. This is painful for those affected. The arrow penetrates the skin one centimeter deep and delivers an electrical pulse. The current affects nerves and muscles, causing incapacitation for a period of seconds.