1. possible applications and purpose

Official use   

The primary purpose of firearms used by security authorities such as the police and judiciary is to maintain public safety and order. They are used to ward off danger, prevent criminal offenses and, in extreme cases, to protect the life of the officer or uninvolved third parties. Their use is highly regulated by service regulations and legal requirements. Firearms are seen as a last resort if other measures, such as negotiations or the use of non-lethal means, do not lead to success.

Civilian use for self-defense   

In the civilian sector, the possession and use of firearms is often considered for reasons of self-protection. Civilians may only use a weapon in an immediate self-defense situation in which their life or the lives of others are acutely endangered. Unlike the authorities, whose task is to protect the general public, the use of firearms by civilians is aimed at warding off an immediate threat and getting to safety.

2. training and education

Official use   

The training of police officers and prison officers is intensive, continuous and covers a wide range of scenarios. It includes not only the technical handling of weapons, but also tactical training, operational law and the use of de-escalation techniques. A significant part of the training deals with the legal permissibility of the use of weapons and the avoidance of collateral damage. Scenario-based training, in which officers act in realistic exercises under stressful conditions, is a central component of the training.

Civilian use for self-defense   

Civilians who own a weapon often have significantly fewer training opportunities. While there is mandatory firearms training in many countries before a license is issued, this is often less extensive and in-depth than the training provided by authorities. Civilian shooting clubs and private courses offer additional training opportunities, but these depend heavily on the gun owner's own initiative. Training here is often limited to basic shooting skills and basic self-defense scenarios.

3. legal issues

Official use   

Officers who carry a weapon are subject to strict legal regulations. The use of firearms is only permitted if all other means of averting danger have failed or are unsuitable. The exact legal basis varies from country to country, but similar principles of proportionality and necessity apply internationally. In addition, officers must expect a comprehensive internal and often external review after every use of firearms.

Civilian use for self-defense   

Strict regulations also apply to civilians in many countries. As a rule, possession of a firearm requires an official permit and its use is restricted to self-defense situations. However, the legal situation varies considerably depending on the country or federal state. In some regions, the use of firearms for self-defense is more liberally regulated, while in other countries the possession and use of firearms is strictly regulated or even prohibited. Civilians must inform themselves fully about the specific laws of their region in order to avoid legal consequences.

4 Carrying options and liability

Official use   

Police officers carry their service weapons openly and accessibly, often in specially developed holsters that allow quick access times but also contain security mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access. Officers are obliged to carry their weapons safely at all times and to prevent misuse. They are subject to a comprehensive check after using a weapon, and personal liability or disciplinary action may follow in the event of incorrect or unlawful use.

Civilian use for self-defense   

The gun ownership card entitles the holder to own certain firearms, such as handguns (pistols and revolvers), and to transport them at home or in a locked container. However, it does not allow the holder to carry a loaded firearm in public.

Civilians who are authorized to carry a weapon (carry permit) usually carry it concealed to avoid attracting unnecessary attention and to preserve the element of surprise. Concealed carry poses particular challenges, especially in terms of access time and security. Civilians must ensure that their weapon remains under control at all times to prevent accidents or misuse. They can also be held liable for improper use, both criminally and civilly.

5. hazards and risks

Official use   

The use of weapons by police officers entails considerable risks, especially for bystanders. There is always the danger that unforeseen events or mistakes in a stressful situation can lead to fatal consequences. Officers therefore receive intensive training to minimize such risks. There are also strict regulations in many countries that provide for a comprehensive investigation following the use of weapons in order to review the officers' actions and ensure that the deployment was proportionate and necessary.

Civilian use for self-defense   

For civilians, the use of a firearm for self-defense is associated with considerable risks. In a stressful situation, it is easy to make misjudgements that can have fatal consequences. Inadequate training, a lack of routine or incorrect handling of the weapon can lead to dangerous situations that endanger the life of the shooter and others. In addition, there is always the risk that a weapon in the possession of a civilian will be stolen or used against them.

6. strategies and training

Official use   

Police strategies for dealing with firearms usually involve working in teams to increase safety and maximize efficiency. Officers regularly train tactics aimed at minimizing risk and maintaining control of the situation. They learn how to use their weapon safely and effectively in extreme conditions and how to de-escalate in escalation scenarios before reaching for their weapon.

Civilian use for self-defense   

Civilians need to focus on simple and clear strategies, as they usually act alone and undergo less intensive training. The priority here is often to remove themselves from a dangerous situation rather than to dominate the situation. Training focuses on quick reaction times, safe and accurate shooting at close range and protection from assault. Some courses also offer scenario training that prepares civilians for real threats.

Which topics are particularly important for official training?

From my experience in the course of my courses and seminars with various authorities, I have briefly summarized a cross-section of the most important contents of firearms training. Here are some of the key topics, training courses and content that are particularly important in this context:

1. legal basis for the use of firearms

• Legal powers: Training on the legal requirements for the use of firearms, including self-defense, emergency assistance and the proportionality of the use of force.
• Guidelines for use: Detailed knowledge of internal policies and protocols governing the use of firearms, including reporting and post-deployment follow-up.
• Escalation levels: Understanding the different levels of escalation and when the use of firearms is justified.

2. weapon knowledge and maintenance

• Weapons training: Comprehensive training in the use of service weapons.
• Weapon care: Training in the proper maintenance and care of firearms to ensure their functionality and safety.
• Ammunition science: Knowledge of different types of ammunition, their areas of use and safety aspects.

3. shooting training and practical exercises

• Basic training: Regular training on the shooting range to improve shooting skills under standardized conditions.
• Scenario training: Realistic exercises in simulated operational scenarios that train the use of firearms under stressful conditions, in the dark or in complex environments.
• Movement and shooting: Training in shooting on the move, shooting at moving targets and tactical positioning during a mission.
• Stress drills: Exercises that increase physical and mental resilience in operational situations in order to improve the ability to act under extreme stress.

4. tactical training

• Room and building security: Tactics for entering and securing buildings, including coordinating teams and dealing with armed suspects.
• Cover and escape: Training in the use of cover and tactical retreat movements to ensure your own safety and that of the team.
• Shooting and team tactics: Training in working with other team members during a gunfight, including communication and movement patterns.

5. emergency medicine and self-protection

• First aid for gunshot wounds: Training in first aid for gunshot wounds, both for colleagues and civilians.
• Trauma care: Knowledge in the application of tourniquets, pressure bandages and other life-saving measures.
• Self-protection techniques: Measures for personal protection in the event of an attack or injury during deployment.

6. psychological preparation and follow-up

• Stress management: Techniques for coping with stressful situations before, during and after the use of firearms.
• Dealing with post-traumatic stress: Training on recognizing and coping with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can occur after the use of firearms.
• Follow-up: Psychological support and de-briefing after critical missions in order to process the experience and draw lessons from it.

7 Ethics and responsibility

• Ethical considerations: Discussions and training on the ethical implications of the use of firearms, including responsibility for one's own actions and the consequences for all involved.
• Error analysis and continuous improvement: Regularly review and analyze deployments to identify errors and continuously improve tactics and protocols.

8. communication and decision-making

• Crisis communication: Training in communication with team members, superiors and other emergency personnel during a critical incident.
• Fast decision making: Training to improve the ability to make informed decisions in seconds that can save lives and minimize risks.

This content and training is essential to ensure that officers in the official sector are optimally prepared for the use of firearms. They help to increase the ability to act in critical situations while maintaining legal and ethical standards.

Weapons possession card and weapons pass in Austria

Here I would like to make a small but not too detailed comparison between the two options here in Austria, as I am Austrian myself. There is often a misunderstanding here.

In Austria, there are two important documents that regulate the lawful possession and use of firearms: the Weapons possession card and the Firearms pass. Both documents are important for private individuals, but differ in their purpose and the associated rights.

Weapons possession card
The gun ownership card entitles the holder to possess certain firearms, such as handguns (like here in the blog - pistols and revolvers), and to transport them at home or in a locked container. However, it allows not to carry a loaded weapon in public. The gun ownership card is aimed at people who wish to own a gun for sporting or collecting reasons and who meet the strict legal requirements, including demonstrable suitability and reliability as well as the need for a corresponding requirement.

Firearms pass
The firearms pass, on the other hand, goes one step further: it allows the holder not only to possess firearms, but also to carry a loaded weapon in public. As a rule, a firearms pass is only issued under very strict conditions, for example if someone can credibly demonstrate that they need to protect themselves due to their professional activity or a particularly dangerous situation. The requirements are therefore much stricter than for a firearms possession card and extensive checks are carried out before a firearms pass is issued.

To summarize: The gun ownership card entitles the holder to possess and transport firearms, while the firearms pass also permits the carrying of a loaded firearm in public.

7. tips for training

• Regular training:  Both officers and civilians should train regularly to perfect the handling of their weapon. This includes shooting at the shooting range, but also training under realistic conditions.
• Stress management:  Since the use of a firearm occurs in a stressful situation, training programs should also include stress management techniques.
• Legal clarification:  Anyone who owns or carries a weapon should be fully informed about the legal framework and the possible consequences of using a weapon.
• Situational awareness:  Good training should also promote the ability to recognize dangerous situations at an early stage and avoid them if necessary.
• Sense of responsibility:  Handling a weapon requires a high sense of responsibility. Civilians and officers must always be aware of their responsibility and the potential consequences of their actions.

Conclusion

The use of firearms by security agencies and civilians differs significantly in terms of deployment options, training, legal frameworks, liability and risks. While police officers are intensively trained to react appropriately in a variety of situations and consider the use of weapons as a last resort, civilians must rely on basic training and legal frameworks that restrict the use of a weapon in an extreme self-defense situation.