Welcome the right to employ stun guns

The Police Association welcome the Minister of Justice’s decision on new rules on the use of force by police officers and the handling and use of devices such as stun guns.

The an announcement on their website it is reported that the police has been pointing out for many years the need to ensure better security for police officers in the workplace and it is therefore welcome that the Minister of Justice, Jón Gunnarsson, is showing understanding to these specific issues of police security.

“Police officers are the profession that has the highest number of occupational accidents, and police officers are often on their own and face challenging and unforeseen situations where there is often no assistance in sight, ” the announcement reads.

It also states that the police’s role is, among other things, to protect public security and maintain law and order. “The Minister of Justice’s decision is meant to clarify the police’s powers and thus contribute to increased security of the police’s job while also increasing the security of the civilian population.”

Amnesty Iceland wants a thorough investigation

The Icelandic division of Amnesty International issued a press release today calling for a thorough and independent investigation of the use of electronic stun guns and their effects.

“The department encourages the government not to introduce their use for law enforcement in Iceland until recommendations made in Amnesty International reports have been complied with and that a thorough and independent investigation of the use of electronic guns and their effects is carried out.”