Suspension over, taser guns back in police use

Taser guns have been gradually reintroduced to police forces after being suspended in August in light of controversial use by police officers.

The electric shock weapons were temporarily banned by Police Commissioner Yohanan Danino following a mid-August incident involving police forces repeatedly shocking right-wing activist and settler Boaz Albert in a brutal manner while arresting him.

A video released at the time portrayed police officers repeatedly tasing Albert in front of his children despite the fact that he offered no resistance. The violent arrest was widely condemned, and politicians from all factions, such as Likud MK Miri Regev and Meretz leader MK Zahava Gal-on, criticized what seemed to be an unjust use of force.

An investigation committee set to examine taser gun use, ordered by Danino following the incident, completed it’s inquiry and presented police top brass with conclusions and suggestions. The committee’s primary conclusion was that officers’ lack of familiarity with regulations, along with slack discipline, is to blame for most cases of misuse. Its main suggestions were to update shock gun regulations, increase training and employ stricter disciplinary measures.

Police officials have emphasized that the weapons’ effectiveness is not disputed. The police began using taser guns in 2001, and currently 500 guns are employed by 1,800 qualified senior policemen.