National Council wants stun guns for transport police
Published: Monday, Feb 26th 2024, 19:20
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The National Council wants transport police officers to be allowed to carry stun guns in future. On Monday, the National Council adopted a corresponding motion by Michaël Buffat (SVP/VD).
The decision was made by 132 votes to 60 with one abstention. The proposal will go to the Council of States.
Since 2008, many police forces have acquired such stun guns, Buffat argued. They could also be an important tool for the transport police, for example in the event of threats with knives - especially when there are a lot of people in one place.
The Federal Council recommended that the motion be accepted. Transport Minister Albert Rösti made it clear that the motion was to be understood as a test request. Which devices are suitable for which situations and when their use is proportionate must first be clarified.
The transport police do not have the same role as the cantonal police forces, criticized Fabien Fivaz (Greens/NE). It was politically desirable for them to have fewer powers. Fivaz also pointed out that the so-called Taser was anything but a harmless weapon. Around one hundred deaths have been documented following their use, many of them in the USA. In addition, the transport police already have sufficient means at their disposal to carry out their duties, such as firearms or pepper spray.
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