KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian police are set to become the second in Southeast Asia after Singapore to use the nonlethal
Taser stun guns.
Federal police logistics director said although the force had taken delivery of 210 units of the stun
guns, known as the X26 electronic control device, which cost RM2.1 million, last year they have yet to be distributed to
personnel on the ground.
He told the New Straits Times that this was because the force was preparing a standard operating procedure for the use
of the weapon. He said training on how to use the device was also being carried out.
"We are not trigger-happy enforcement authorities. There are a few levels involved, including engaging in negotiations and giving warning before we use force.
"Using any form of weapon is always the last resort for us. We want to make sure all grounds are covered before we deploy it." He police were aiming to start using the Taser by the end of this year.
The Taser is a weapon which is used to stun fleeing or belligerent suspects. It is used by police in developed countries
as it is considered non-lethal.
the use of the Taser would be included under the Firearms Act 1960. This means that members of the
public would have to get a licence if they want to buy a Taser .
He said the stun guns would be issued to policemen on patrol car duty and would only be used on aggressive criminals
in dangerous situations.
It is learnt that it may also be distributed to the Federal Reserve Unit, Special Action Unit and Narcotics Department.
The yellow-coloured X26 set bought by Malaysian police comes with a holster and uses a non-rechargeable lithium
battery able to deliver 195 cartridge shots. Policemen going on rounds will be issued four cartridges.
The force began toying with the idea of using Tasers in 2003 when they purchased 80 units of the M26, the X26's bulkier
predecessor. This was not made public as it was part of a testing exercise.
The Tasers were issued to policemen in Petaling Jaya, Dang Wangi in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Baru.
The armed forces' military police are said to have been using 38 Tasers since 2007, which were issued to those on
peacekeeping missions in the Middle East.
0 comments:
Post a Comment