Hessian police had used stun guns 33 times by mid-August
Quick Look
- The Hessian police had used a stun gun 33 times by mid-August, according to a response to a parliamentary question from the Green party in the state parliament.
- In 2025, there were 68 uses of a distance electrical impulse device (DEIG), colloquially known as a Taser, across the country.
- The Interior Ministry said the number is at a level comparable to last year and the focus is currently on replacing the Taser model, which is no longer supported by the manufacturer, with a new generation of models.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The Hessian police use distance electrical impulse devices (DEIGs), colloquially called tasers, as part of their equipment.
The Hessian police used a stun gun more than 30 times this year until mid-August. The number suggests that the operations are at a level comparable to the previous year, the Interior Ministry in Wiesbaden said in response to a dpa request.
As can be seen from an answer to a parliamentary question from the Green Party parliamentary group, there were 68 police operations across the country in 2025 of a so-called distance electrical impulse device (DEIG), also colloquially known as a Taser. By August 11th of this year, 33 missions had been registered.
A DEIG deployment depends heavily on the dynamic development of individual operational situations, explained a ministry spokeswoman. “Whether and how often the DEIG is threatened or triggered is always decided based on the situation on site and cannot easily be extrapolated statistically.”
In 2025, the Taser was used in around 75 percent of cases in connection with arrests. The remaining cases were due to threats and suicide situations.
New model generation is introduced
The Hessian police currently have 190 devices at their disposal. Before increasing this number, the focus is currently on replacing the Taser model that is no longer supported by the manufacturer with a new generation of models - including comprehensive training, the ministry said.
The spokeswoman explained that the DEIG has developed into an important and successful operational resource that also serves significantly to protect the emergency services themselves. It complements the pepper spray, the baton and the firearm.
“The DEIG can be used against aggressive perpetrators without the emergency services having to go into their direct area of influence,” she explained. “Even a threat has a de-escalating effect on the other party and triggering it is no longer necessary in most cases.”
Does not replace the firearm
However, the effect of the DEIG is not guaranteed in every case, as thick clothing can prevent the arrow electrodes from penetrating. “The use also poses health risks due to subsequent falls as well as risks for those with previous illnesses or people under the influence of drugs,” the spokeswoman added. Furthermore, in the event of immediate danger to life - for example in the event of a knife attack at close range - it in no way replaces the firearm.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The Hessian police will replace the old laser model with a new generation of models.
Very likely · Within months
The number of laser installations in Hesse will be at a level similar to that of 2025.
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- What is the exact cost of introducing the new model generation of the laser?
- How many officials have been trained to handle the new laser model so far?
- Were there any incidents in 2025 where the laser was not effective despite use?