Revamped: Revolver with Needles and Tasers, Germany's Controversial Weapon Laws
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In a bid to safeguard citizens from potential dangers, the German parliament has tightened gun laws, giving a state permit a necessity to possess a newly developed revolver firing needles. This weapon, using compressed air with a kinetic energy of up to 7.5 Joules, could potentially be lethal. Without the permit, readily available for purchase, this innovative revolver would have been freely bought.
Preceding the parliamentary vote, police at the Ministry of the Interior demonstrated the perils of the revolver. In a test, the long needles penetrated a soap block and protective vest, showcasing the risks of this questionable weapon, as Federal Minister of the Interior, Alexander Dobrindt (CSU), explained. Dobrindt deemed it impossible to grant permits for this revolver's use.
Due to advancements in weapon technology, this revolver-like device can deploy projectiles markedly different from typical compressed air weapons. The Ministry of the Interior says these new projectiles may possess lethal potential.
Pondering the "Need" for Weapon Ownership
In Germany, possession of weapons requiring a permit already necessitates a permit. Responsible authorities scrutinize weapon owners for reliability, expertise, and personal suitability when evaluating permit applications. Weapon owners must prove that they have a genuine need for the weapon—hunting or sports shooting, for instance. A small weapon permit grants public carrying of blank-firing, irritant, and signal weapons.
Minister Dobrindt also highlighted the impact of so-called Tasers, intending to arm the Federal Police imminently. To achieve this, a legal modification is under discussion within the federal government.
Tasers in Contention
According to the Federal Ministry of the Interior, 2,000 of these distance electro-shock devices will be procured this year. These devices, however, are controversial. From the perspective of the Federal Police, Tasers fill the gap between firearms and batons. Nevertheless, criticisms have been expressed by the Interior Minister of Lower Saxony, Daniela Behrens (SPD), concerning the deployment of additional devices such as Tasers. The Left party has also criticized the project.
The Police Trade Union advocates nationwide deployment but emphasizes that Tasers are not a panacea. Often, simply threatening with the device is sufficient. However, there are also situations when both a distance electro-shock device and a firearm would be utilized.
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Sources:
- https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/üng_schaeng/bene_12000000.html
- https://www.bundesverfassungsgericht.de/SharedDocs/Entscheidungen/1995/rs19950615_1bvr1377/rs19950615_1bvr1377.html
- https://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/taser-unsere-beharrliche-strategie-bei-extremisten-1.4782626
- https://www.bundesverfassungsgericht.de/SharedDocs/Entscheidungen/2009/rs20090610_1bv2352/rs20090610_1bv2352.html
- In light of the ongoing discussion about the deployment of Tasers, it appears that these electro-shock devices, often considered a controversial addition to law enforcement technology, may soon be part of the Federal Police's arsenal.
- As the German parliament tightens weapon laws, the acquisition of 'gadgets' like the newly developed revolver firing needles requires a state permit, emphasizing the government's concern for the safe handling of advanced and potentially lethal technology.
