Saxony-Anhalt: Police want Taser equipment across the board!

Saxony-Anhalt: Police want Taser equipment across the board!

The introduction of Tasers for the police is currently being discussed in the state of Saxony-Anhalt. The Ministry of the Interior under the leadership of Interior Minister Dr. Tamara Zieschang conducted a comprehensive survey of all police officers to determine their experiences and wishes with regard to the use of these special weapons. The Taser, which looks like a gun, fires two small darts that can deliver an electric shock and immobilize a person for a few seconds. This makes it easier to arrest potentially dangerous people who resist the police.

The online survey started a few months ago, more precisely on February 12, 2025, and ran until the beginning of March 2025. Participation was voluntary and anonymous, and the evaluation is scientifically supported by the Police University of Applied Sciences. The aim is to take into account the extensive experience from other federal states and thus make an informed decision. So far, only special forces have been equipped with Tasers in Saxony-Anhalt, and there are only four such devices in total.

Important decisions are pending

Based on the survey results, the Ministry of the Interior plans to enable the state police to be equipped with distance electrical impulse devices across the board. The survey already shows that many police officers want to use Tasers. This development is no coincidence, as violence against police officers is increasing sharply in Germany. According to reports from the police union (GdP), it is found that an average of 305 police officers are victims of crime every day. The environment is becoming increasingly dangerous and the need to have appropriate means of self-defense is becoming increasingly clear.

While the Taser is viewed as an effective intermediate between a baton and a pistol, there are also significant concerns. Amnesty International has cited the health risks of using Tasers, particularly for people with underlying medical conditions or drug use. In Germany there have already been at least ten deaths in connection with Taser use since 2021. This is causing discussions about whether the introduction of this technology would be a good or a risky decision.

Nationwide perspectives

This debate is taking place against the background that the use of Tasers is also being considered at the federal level. Federal Minister of the Interior Alexander Dobrindt plans to equip the Federal Police nationwide with these devices. He sees it as a necessary response to the increased threat situation in Germany. The legal framework for the use of the Taser will soon be determined. The aim is to better protect police officers from violent attacks and to ensure that they have effective options for action in an emergency.

The decision on the introduction of Tasers in Saxony-Anhalt is still pending. But one thing is clear: whatever the outcome of this discussion, opinions are divided. While many police officers welcome the opportunity to use Tasers, others express concerns about the safety and ethical implications of using these devices.