The reality of the threat

According to a study by the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR), more than 50 police officers in the USA were killed by their own weapons after they were taken from them between 2010 and 2020. This figure underlines the urgent need to better train officers to protect their weapons.

A report by the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL) shows that the threat of attempted disarmament is also increasing in Europe. Between 2015 and 2020, there were over 30 documented cases in which police weapons were stolen and in some cases led to fatal shootings.

Arguments for the importance of gun safety training

1. increasing safety for officers and the public

• Prevention of disarmament cases: Good firearms safety training helps officers learn techniques to prevent their service weapons from being taken.
• Safe handling of weapons: Officers who are trained in the safe handling of their weapons minimize the risk of accidents or malfunctions.

2. raising awareness of the possibility and danger of

• Recognizing risks: Training sensitizes officers to the dangers associated with carrying a service weapon. They learn that their weapons can be a target in certain situations and remain vigilant.
• Psychological preparation: Being aware that their weapon could be in danger at any time helps officers to mentally prepare for potential threats and remain calm in stressful situations.

3. integration of the techniques learned into existing processes and techniques

• Seamless integration: Weapons protection training is designed in such a way that the techniques learned can be seamlessly integrated into existing operational processes.
• Regular practice and repetition: Regular practice ensures that officers internalize the techniques and can apply them automatically.
• Ongoing adaptation: Training is continuously adapted to new threats and developments to ensure that officers are always up to date.

Practical examples from the USA

Here are some examples of incidents in the U.S. that underscore the need for gun safety training:

• May 2024, Paris: A man arrested at a police station in Paris got his hands on a service weapon and seriously injured two police officers in Paris.

• July 2016, Baton Rouge, Louisiana: A perpetrator stole a police officer's service weapon and killed three police officers. This incident shows the deadly consequences of inadequate protection.

• Gelsenkirchen 2017: During a raid, an officer of the special task force (SEK) was shot dead. The perpetrator was able to steal a police officer's weapon and fire it.

• Vienna, June 2020: A 54-year-old man stole a service weapon during a police operation and fired several shots.

• Graz, March 2023: An inmate in Graz prison stole a prison guard's service weapon and injured two inmates before executing himself.

Conclusion

The facts and figures speak for themselves: gun safety training is essential for the safety of police officers and the public. It not only helps to prevent disarmament attempts, but also prepares officers mentally and physically for potential threats. Seamless integration of the techniques learned into existing procedures ensures that officers can act calmly, in control and effectively in any situation.

Investing in regular and comprehensive firearms training is not only a matter of safety, but also of professionalism and responsibility to the community. It is time for police agencies around the world to prioritize and continuously develop this important aspect of training.