Police begin using controversial taser guns
The assurance given by senior police officers then and now is that such weapons will be used by police personnel who are trained in it and only when necessary.
By
Aminath Shifleen
Police on Wednesday announced the use of electric weapons or taser gun in operations against dangerous criminals, despite public criticism.
The idea of using taser guns in police operations was first announced by police chief Mohamed Hameed in 2020. At that time, a trial was launched to use the gun.
"It can be used as a tool to minimise the damage caused to the police in the event of the need to use force against dangerous criminals," Hameed had said.
However, many people had expressed their opinion at the time, saying that the gun could also be misused.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Hameed announced that the police will begin use taser guns. According to him, given the dangers of crime and security challenges, the police have to be well equipped and prepared to combat the crime.
"It is unacceptable that the police go out empty-handed against them when they come out with knives, cleavers and swords in terror and violent crimes," Hameed said.
"We also need to ensure the safety of the police personnel who come out against such criminals. People should also be protected in police work."
The police chief said:
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Police work needs be more focused on ensuring safety of citizens and reduce public fear
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Given the current vulnerability, security challenges and crime levels, the police should also carry an equipment
Why taser guns provoked criticism
Talking about the use of taser guns, Hameed had in May 2020 released a video of the police using the gun. It showed someone attacking the police, and the policeman, taking the gun, which is attached to the police belt, taking the man down. The bullet of the taser gun is connected to the gun by wire.
The gun is used to send an electric shock against a person who disobeys or needs to be detained by the police. When the person is shot, the body gets an electric shock and temporarily numbs the person's body.
It is unacceptable that the police go out empty-handed against them when they come out with knives, sickles and swords in terror and violent crimes.
Speaking against the move at the time, Villimale MP Ahmed Usham said that while most police personnel are not following the law, it would be a matter of concern for many to allow such powers to them without reforming the police properly.
"I also have that concern," Usham had said earlier.
The concern of many is the fear of misuse of such weapons when police are deployed to control protests and rallies in a country with high levels of political violence.
The assurance given by senior police officers then and now is that such weapons will be used by police personnel who are trained in it and only when necessary.
The weapon will be used by only a handful of police personnel who are out in dangerous operations, Hameed said. To ensure that the police use the weapon responsibly, the gun will be used along with body cameras, the CP said.
Speaking at Wednesday's press conference, Hameed said:
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200 body worn cameras, which were introduced for the first time in the police force in February, have been used so far.
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Buy 1,200 more cameras, it will be issued in two days
He said that all these tools are being used under the powers conferred by the Police Act.
