Comparison between the use of firearms by authorities and in the civilian sector

1.  Possible uses and purpose

Use by authorities   

Firearms used by security authorities such as the police and prison service serve primarily to maintain public safety and order. They are used to avert dangers, prevent criminal offenses and, in extreme cases, also to protect the life of the officer or of uninvolved third parties. Their use is strictly regulated by service regulations and legal requirements. Here, firearms are regarded as a last resort (ultima ratio) when other measures, such as negotiation or the use of non-lethal means, do not succeed.

Civilian use for self-defense   

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

2.  Training and instruction

Use by authorities   

The training of police officers and prison officers is intensive and continuous and covers a broad spectrum of scenarios. It includes not only the technical handling of the weapon but also tactical training, operational law and the application of de-escalating 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 under stress in realistic exercises, is a central component of the training.

Civilian use for self-defense   

Civilians who own a weapon often have considerably fewer training opportunities. While many countries have mandatory weapons training before a license is issued, this is often less extensive and in-depth than the training of 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 matters

Use by authorities   

Officers who carry a weapon are subject to strict legal regulations. The use of firearms is permissible only 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 also external review after every use of a weapon.

Civilian use for self-defense   

Strict requirements also apply to civilians in many countries. Owning a firearm generally requires official authorization, and its use is limited to self-defense situations. However, the legal situation differs considerably depending on the country or state. In some regions, the use of weapons for self-defense is regulated more liberally, while in other countries the ownership and use of firearms is strictly regulated or even prohibited. Civilians must inform themselves thoroughly about the specific laws of their region in order to avoid legal consequences.

4.  Carry options and liability

Use by authorities   

Police officers carry their service weapons openly and accessibly, often in specially designed holsters that allow fast access times but also include safety mechanisms against unauthorized access. Officers are obliged to carry their weapons safely at all times and to prevent misuse. After using a weapon, they are subject to a comprehensive review, and incorrect or unlawful use can result in personal liability or disciplinary action.

Civilian use for self-defense   

The Waffenbesitzkarte (Austrian firearm ownership permit) entitles the holder to own certain firearms, such as handguns (pistols and revolvers), and to keep them at home or transport them in a locked container. However, it does not permit carrying a loaded weapon in public.

Civilians who are permitted to carry a weapon (carry authorization) usually carry it concealed so as not to attract unnecessary attention and to preserve the element of surprise. Concealed carry poses particular challenges, especially with regard to access time and safety. Civilians must ensure that their weapon always remains under control in order to prevent accidents or misuse. They too can be held liable for improper use, under both criminal and civil law.

5.  Dangers and risks

Use by authorities   

The use of weapons by police officers carries considerable risks, especially for bystanders. There is always the danger that unforeseen events or errors under the stress of the situation lead to fatal consequences. Officers are therefore trained intensively to minimize such risks. In addition, many countries have strict rules that provide for a comprehensive investigation after a weapon has been used in order to review the officers’ conduct and ensure that the use was proportionate and necessary.

Civilian use for self-defense   

For civilians, using a firearm for self-defense involves considerable risks. In a stressful situation, misjudgments can easily occur that may 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 of others. In addition, there is always the risk that a weapon owned by a civilian is stolen or used against its owner.

6.  Strategies and training

Use by authorities   

Police strategies for dealing with firearms generally involve operating in teams in order 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 under extreme conditions and how to have a de-escalating effect in escalation scenarios before they reach for their weapon.

Civilian use for self-defense   

Civilians must concentrate on simple and clear strategies, as they generally 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 fast reaction times, safe and accurate shooting at short distances and protection against assaults. Some courses also offer scenario training that prepares civilians for real threats.

Which topics are particularly important for training for authorities?

Drawing on my experience from my courses and seminars with a wide variety of authorities, I have briefly summarized a cross-section of the most important content of firearms training. Here are some central topics, training 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, defense of others and the proportionality of the use of force.
• Operational guidelines: Detailed knowledge of the internal guidelines and protocols governing the use of firearms, including reporting and follow-up after an operation.
• Escalation levels: Understanding the various escalation levels and when the use of firearms is justified.

2. Weapons knowledge and maintenance

• Technical weapons training: Comprehensive training in the handling of service weapons.
• Weapon care: Training in the proper maintenance and care of firearms to ensure their functionality and safety.
• Ammunition knowledge: Knowledge of different types of ammunition, their areas of application 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 stress, in darkness or in complex environments.
• Movement and shooting: Training in shooting on the move, shooting at moving targets and tactical positioning during an operation.
• Stress drills: Exercises that increase physical and psychological resilience in operational situations in order to improve the ability to act under extreme stress.

4. Tactical training

• Room and building clearance: Tactics for entering and securing buildings, including the coordination of teams and dealing with armed suspects.
• Cover and escape: Training in the use of cover and tactical withdrawal movements to ensure one’s own safety and that of the team.
• Exchange of fire and team tactics: Training in cooperating with other team members during an exchange of fire, including communication and movement patterns.

5. Emergency medicine and self-protection

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

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 in recognizing and coping with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can occur after the use of firearms.
• Post-operation debriefing: Psychological support and debriefing after critical operations in order to process the experience and learn lessons from it.

7. Ethics and accountability

• 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 everyone involved.
• Error analysis and continuous improvement: Regular review and analysis of operations in order to identify errors and continuously improve tactics and protocols.

8. Communication and decision-making

• Crisis communication: Training in communicating with team members, superiors and other operational personnel during a critical incident.
• Rapid decision-making: Training to improve the ability to make sound decisions in a split second that can save lives and minimize risks.

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

Waffenbesitzkarte and Waffenpass in Austria

Here I would also like to give a brief but not overly detailed comparison of the two options in this country, as I am Austrian myself. There is often a misunderstanding here as well.

In Austria, there are two important documents that govern the lawful ownership and carrying of firearms: the Waffenbesitzkarte and the Waffenpass (Austrian firearm carry permit). Both documents are relevant for private individuals but differ in their purpose and the associated rights.

Waffenbesitzkarte
The Waffenbesitzkarte entitles the holder to own certain firearms, such as handguns (as here in the blog – pistols and revolvers), and to keep them at home or transport them in a locked container. However, it does not permit carrying a loaded weapon in public. The Waffenbesitzkarte is intended for people who wish to own a weapon for sporting or collecting purposes and who meet the strict legal requirements, including proven suitability and reliability as well as the existence of a corresponding need.

Waffenpass
The Waffenpass, on the other hand, goes one step further: it allows the holder not only to own firearms but also to carry a loaded weapon in public. A Waffenpass is generally issued only under very strict conditions, for example if someone can credibly demonstrate that they need to protect themselves because of their professional activity or a particular threat situation. The requirements are therefore considerably higher than for the Waffenbesitzkarte, and extensive checks are carried out before a Waffenpass is issued.

In summary: The Waffenbesitzkarte entitles the holder to own and transport firearms, while the Waffenpass also allows a loaded weapon to be carried in public.

7.  Training tips

• Regular training:  Both officers and civilians should train regularly in order to perfect the handling of their weapon. This includes shooting on the shooting range but also training under realistic conditions.
• Stress management:  Since a firearm is used in a stressful situation, training programs should also include stress management techniques.
• Legal education:  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 early and avoid them where necessary.
• Sense of responsibility:  Handling a weapon requires a high degree 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 authorities and civilians differs considerably with regard to possible uses, training, the legal framework, liability and risks. While police officers are trained intensively to respond appropriately in a wide range of situations and to regard the use of a weapon as a last resort, civilians must rely on basic training and a legal framework that restricts the use of a weapon to an extreme self-defense situation.