Law enforcement association advocates for Taser usage and reduced work shifts
In a significant policy shift, German states have begun to equip their police officers with tasers, aiming to enhance officer safety and reduce physical confrontations during arrests and detentions. The move comes after the federal government approved a bill permitting the use of tasers nationwide, following the initiative by Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt [1][2].
The call for tasers, particularly in the state of Baden-Württemberg, has intensified due to a surge in violence against the police [3]. The Police Union in Baden-Württemberg has been leading the charge, advocating for the state government to provide tasers to its officers [4]. Thomas Mohr, deputy state chairman of the GdP, argues that what is right for the federal police should no longer be taboo for the state police in Baden-Württemberg [2].
Tasers, devices that emit electric shocks from a distance, causing painful muscle contractions and usually rendering a person incapacitated, offer several advantages. They allow officers to temporarily incapacitate individuals from a distance without physical contact, reducing the risk of injuries to both officers and suspects [1]. Tasers are also seen as a crucial gap between batons and firearms in dangerous situations, such as violent attacks or dealing with mentally disturbed persons [5].
However, the use of tasers is not without controversy. Clara Bünger, the interior spokeswoman for the Bundestag fraction of the Left party, questions the reliability of tasers, stating that they can lower the threshold for the use of violence [6]. She also highlights the alleged low success rate of tasers in practice [7]. Concerns about operational complexity in high-stress situations have also been raised [8].
Moreover, potential serious health risks for people with pre-existing cardiovascular or other medical conditions have been cited as a concern [9]. Civil rights groups and public health advocates have expressed apprehension about the expanded use of tasers [1]. The Left party has criticized the plan to equip police officers with tasers, citing numerous documented cases of death after taser use, even with unarmed or confused persons [10].
Despite these concerns, the German government has moved forward with the plan, aiming to standardize taser use across all federal police. The new law provides training and usage guidelines to address health and safety concerns [1][2]. As of July 2025, the government plans to acquire 10,000 tasers, supported by an annual budget allocation of five million euros starting in 2025 [1].
The debate over taser use continues, reflecting a consensus toward broader acceptance but also recognizing ongoing public health and ethical concerns. As the rollout of tasers to German police forces continues, it remains to be seen how this shift in policy will impact officer safety, suspect compliance, and public perception.
[1] https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/plus17172021151-taser-fuer-bundespolizei-debatten-um-elektroschocker-fuer-bundespolizei.html [2] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germany-to-arm-police-with-tasers-in-bid-to-reduce-violence-2021-07-01/ [3] https://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/taser-fuer-die-polizei-in-baden-wuerttemberg-1.5629179 [4] https://www.tag24.de/politik/taser-fuer-die-polizei-in-baden-wuerttemberg-10271718-4.html [5] https://www.zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2021-07/taser-bundesweit-verfassungsschutz-beobachtung-polizei [6] https://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/taser-fuer-die-polizei-in-baden-wuerttemberg-1.5629179 [7] https://www.tag24.de/politik/taser-fuer-die-polizei-in-baden-wuerttemberg-10271718-4.html [8] https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/taser-bundesweit-101.html [9] https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/taser-fuer-bundespolizei-debatten-um-elektroschocker-fuer-bundespolizei-a-e35a07d4-8c86-48d3-a74f-02d35f0f1a81 [10] https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/taser-bundesweit-101.html
In light of the debate surrounding the use of tasers, the German government's plan to provide 10,000 tasers to police officers by 2025 may prompt a surge in the demand for taser-compatible gadgets, such as charging stations and holsters, in order to ensure the effective implementation of this new technology. The Police Union's advocacy for the use of tasers in Baden-Württemberg reinforces the notion that the service sector may need to adapt and accommodate this technology, offering innovative solutions for police equipment and training.
