Dobrindt plans Tasern for the federal police: security or risk?

Dobrindt plans Tasern for the federal police: security or risk?

Federal Minister of the Interior Alexander Dobrindt plans the equipment of the federal police with electric shock devices, also known as Tasern. The minister describes the use of these devices as necessary in order to counter the increased dangers in public space. In the course of 2025, the legal framework for the use of the distance electro pulse devices (Deig) is to be created. Financial resources for the procurement of the Tasern are also to be made available, as Tagesschau

A spokesman for the German Police Union has been calling for a nationwide equipment of the patrol police officers with Tasern for years, since these are already used in the patrol service in ten countries. However, the use of these devices is controversial because they can represent health risks, especially for people with heart disease.

criticism and concerns

The discussion about Tasern is accompanied by critical voices. Amnesty International documents that at least ten deaths in Germany have been recorded in Germany since 2021. These often affected people in mental crises or with previous illnesses. In addition, the organization calls for strict measures to comply with human rights and a ban on the production of electric shock devices that can only be used in contact mode. Amnesty demands a global legally binding agreement to regulate the trade in police equipment. This is evident from a report that examined the use of electric shock devices in over 40 countries between 2014 and 2024.

The fact that Dobrindt and the federal police are now considering Tasern, while the use of such devices is considered potentially abusive worldwide, questions about security and ethical implications. Amnesty points out that electric shock devices can lead to serious human rights violations, including burns and psychological trauma.

Dobrindt remains optimistic and sees Tasern as an important means of countering the challenges of a changing security environment. It remains to be seen how the legal and political framework for the use of these devices will be formulated and how both the police and the public will react to the upcoming changes.