Published 16 April 2024 at 12.27
Domestic. By 31 December 2024 at the latest, all police officers on external duty must have access to stun guns. The aim is stated to be increased security and reduced violence.
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– The introduction is ongoing in all police regions, but progress has been different. The weapon is a good complement to other equipment and is suitable in situations where violence or the threat of violence is imminent, says Daniel Gidemar at the National Operative Department of the police.
The weapon creates discomfort but is not, according to the police, dangerous. It counts as less lethal means of violence such as pepper spray and batons. When people are threatening and aggressive, the police can use the stun gun to calm the situation and make an arrest.
The weapon was tested for several years before the decision was made to introduce it throughout the agency. The experiences showed, among other things, that the police experienced less stress in threatening situations.
In the event of a hit, nerve signals in the muscles are temporarily switched off. The perpetrator who has been hit ends up in a rigid, convulsive state. The energy discharge is so low that the heart, lungs or a possible pacemaker are not affected.
As a comparison, electric fences for animals usually have an effect of between one and five joules per second. The stun gun's effect is less than 0.07 joules per second.
At the same time, the risk of fall injuries cannot be ruled out, according to the police. The electrical impulse lasts for five seconds and during that time it is difficult to move, which can cause the person to lose balance and fall. A delirium-like state and a generally deteriorating state of health can increase the risk of injury.