Police begin using taser guns
Hameed had earlier said that the gun would be used along with body cameras to ensure that the police were using the weapon responsibly.
By
Shahudha Mohamed
From Sunday, Maldives police will start using 'conducted energy weapons' or taser guns against criminals.
Police commissioner Mohamed Hameed made the announcement in a tweet Sunday evening. According to him:
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Taser guns will be used by police personnel of 'high visibility policing' teams deployed in the city
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Only police personnel of the rank of sergeant or above who have completed special training and obtained certificates will be allowed to carry and use the weapon
The use of taser guns by the police comes at a time when gang crimes and violence are on the rise in the city
CP Hameed first announced in 2020 that he was considering using taser guns in police operations. At that time, a trial was launched to use the gun.
In November, the police decided to use the weapon in the wake of public opinion against the use of tasers in operations against dreaded criminals.
While the police claimed that it could be used as a tool to minimise the damage caused to the police in the event of the need for use of force against dreaded criminals, there were many who also objected to the fact that the gun could also be misused.
Hameed had earlier said that the gun would be used along with body cameras to ensure that the police were using the weapon responsibly.
