Concerns over taser guns valid, open to a public debate: CP Hameed

While the Maldives police's preparations to use taser guns as a de-escalation tool in operations has been met with criticism, the commissioner of police has said that he is open to a public debate over the matter.

CP Mohamed Hameed said this during an interview on RaajjeTV’s Covid-19 coverage on Thursday night, where he was questioned on the safety of what he had described as “a smart and effective tool”.

Noting that there are criminals carrying “concealed weapons” in the country, Hameed said that purpose of the Conducted Electric Weapon (CEW) will be to ensure the protection of both the public and police officers.

He stressed that it will used “to prevent situations from escalating”.

Furthermore, the CP said that weapon is at trial stage as a force option and that they have yet to decide on the situations in which it will be used. However, he noted that this, “as any other force option”, will be governed by regulations and “also bundled with body worn cameras for increased accountability”.

He stressed that data from these cameras will be stored on this body cam device, as well as remotely.

While the start of taser guns trials was met with public criticism, the issue has also been raised at the People’s Majlis and the decision is being reviewed by its committee on national security service. Commissioner Hameed said that he welcomes this decision.

Further stressing that public’s concerns over the possibility of using the weapon in operations “is valid”, Hameed said that he is open to a public debate on the issue.