The Barcelona City Council has approved the use of Taser guns by the Urban Guard, a measure that will be implemented in mid-2027. The decision responds to an increase in crime in the city.
The approval of Taser guns for the Urban Guard of Barcelona marks a significant change in public safety policies. This Friday, the City Council greenlit this measure, which is expected to be operational by mid-2027. The decision was driven by a proposal from the Popular Party (PP) and reflects a growing concern over the rise in violent crimes in the city, including alarming incidents such as executions and knife attacks in the street.The vote comes after a long bureaucratic process, which began over a year ago when Junts opposed a similar regulation due to a lack of consultation with police unions. However, this new support suggests a shift in political dynamics and a greater willingness to address critical issues related to security.
The new regulation will be debated in July during the Security Commission, where it is expected to be initially approved. Subsequently, the municipal plenary will vote on its final implementation in October. If everything goes as planned, a public tender will be opened to acquire the necessary Tasers to equip the officers. Although 22 devices were initially proposed, the leader of the PP, Daniel Sirera, has requested that all operational units have access to these non-lethal weapons, arguing that at least 150 would be needed to ensure an adequate response to critical situations.
Despite the support from the PP and Junts, other groups such as Barcelona en Comú and Esquerra have expressed their opposition to this measure. They argue that the use of Tasers could lead to abuses and is not the appropriate solution to combat rising crime. This controversy raises the debate on how to balance public safety with civil rights.
Historically, the use of non-lethal weapons has been a topic of debate in many cities around the world. In the United States, for example, Taser guns have been widely adopted by various police forces as a less lethal alternative to the direct use of conventional firearms. However, they have also faced criticism due to incidents where their use has resulted in fatalities or serious injuries.
As Barcelona moves towards this new phase in its policing strategy, it is crucial to observe how the upcoming legislative steps will unfold and whether it will truly improve the perception and reality of citizen security. Interested citizens can follow the scheduled public discussions in July and October to stay informed about this important issue.
You may also like
