Badalona to equip local police with electric stun guns

The city council plans to deploy 28 devices progressively until 2027 for street patrol officers.

Police equipment on a stone street.
IA

Police equipment on a stone street.

The Guardia Urbana of Badalona has announced the incorporation of 28 electric stun guns for officers performing street patrol duties, with a deployment scheduled through 2027.

The implementation schedule includes the arrival of the first three units before the end of the current year, while the remaining devices will be integrated throughout 2027. This measure aims to provide officers with an intermediate tool between conventional police defense and firearms.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions. While union representatives value the tool for interventions in high-risk situations, human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Irídia have expressed concern. These groups question the classification of the weapon as intermediate and demand strict usage protocols.
The entities' concerns focus on device safety and the need for specific training, especially in cases involving individuals with mental health issues. Furthermore, they have emphasized the importance of body cameras to ensure the traceability of actions and the creation of internal oversight mechanisms to prevent misuse.