Police to introduce new electrical weapons in Iceland as public debate intensifies

The definition of “electrical weapon” and “taser” appears to differ according to the Chief of Police in Iceland. A linguistics professor highlighted that while governmental terminologies evolve, public awareness remains crucial.

Police officers are set to receive new electrical weapons next week, allowing the public to see them in action shortly thereafter. Officers have undergone basic training in their use over recent months, including virtual reality simulations. The term “electrical weapon” replaces the previously used “taser,” which has sparked varied opinions and discussions. A recent Gallup survey indicated that over half of the Icelandic population supports police carrying these devices during their duties.

Concerns arose following the announcement by the former Minister of Justice regarding the introduction of these devices, stirring debate about administrative practices. Critics, including the Parliamentary Ombudsman, deemed the minister’s actions inconsistent with proper governance. Nevertheless, the former Prime Minister confirmed discussions about the matter were indeed anticipated within the government.

According to the Chief of Police, electrical weapons possess non-lethal characteristics designed to incapacitate suspects temporarily, allowing for safer detentions while minimizing health risks. The key difference between these and traditional tasers is their intended use as non-lethal defense tools for public and officer protection.

The terminological shift to “electrical weapon” aims to influence public perception positively, but some experts urge caution, suggesting that changes in language used by authorities can shape societal attitudes. The focus is on encouraging critical examination of governmental communication to understand its implications fully.