Sharp increase in stun gun deployments

The Swiss police corps reported a total of 15 firearms deployments last year. This is three more than in the previous year, but the number is in line with the multi-year average, according to the Conference of Cantonal Police Commanders (KKPKS) writes. In the majority of cases, these missions were carried out in the framework of security measures against animals in the vicinity of roads or vehicles.

Not infrequently against armed persons

According to data, the number of operations with electric pulse pistols has increased sharply compared to previous years. Thus, this had to be used 73 times, compared to 45 cases in the previous year. In over two-thirds of the cases, the persons involved were under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and in over 45 percent of the cases, the persons were armed.

According to the KKPKS, the increased number of operations with electric pulse pistols can be attributed on the one hand to their increasing use in the corps. On the other hand, the increased numbers in the area of violent crimes and threats and violence against officers in the recently published crime statistics would indicate an increased potential for violence. "The use of the electric pulse pistol is also not carried out lightly and, like any means of coercion, is bound to the principle of proportionality," explains KKPKS President Stefan Blättler.