Test phase begins:

Tasers and light modules soon for all police officers

After receiving iPhones, tablets and bulletproof vests, our patrol officers will soon be out on the streets with electric tasers and light modules for their weapons. 

Most of us have already seen videos of taser deployments. If nothing else helps and a person cannot be calmed down or overpowered during an official action, it is already in use. The device, known in technical jargon as the Taser electric impulse weapon, has been in use by the Cobra and WEGA special units since 2012.

It has been used there 400 times so far. In future, however, it will also be used by patrol officers, as announced by the country's police leadership on Thursday.

Crime hotspots push ahead
From August 1, 150 officers at the two crime hotspots Keplergasse, Praterstern and also in Floridsdorf will be equipped with Tasers and trained in the use of the weapon, which is equipped with projectiles.

Federal Police Director Michael Takacs emphasized the intensive training that is necessary. Brigadier Ernst Albrecht pointed out that the Taser is not a miracle weapon, but in certain situations it can give you a few seconds' head start.

Good training and modern equipment go hand in hand for effective police work.

Innenminister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP)

Light modules for service weapons also being tested
In addition to the Taser, light modules for service weapons will also be tested this summer in Vienna-Favoriten, St. Pölten, Graz and at the airport in Schwechat (Lower Austria).

The new lights, which are attached to the barrel of the weapon, are intended to improve freedom of movement during operations. Several manufacturers are also being tested here.