2024-11-19 03:30:00
Given that both projects have been submitted to the Rionegro Legislature and Neuquén has approved their use, Alberto Weretileneck government is analyzing what types of non-lethal weapons are used in the province. Currently, two types of devices are being considered. What are these?
Last week, Primero Río Negro provincial councilor Yolanda Mansillaproposed a project to provide provincial police with non-lethal weapons. The liberal provincial representative argued that “the goal (of the plan) is to make the Rio Negro police non-lethal weapon tools, Considering that there were many criminal records, the police had to defend themselves, but this did not achieve the most desired result,” Mancilla explained.
In her remarks, lawmakers also considered these non-lethal weapons will enable officers to protect public safety In a more controlled, sometimes less violent way.
April 17, 2024 The first project of its kind in the province has been introduced in the Legislature, through seat CCARI RIO NEGRO.
At the time, lawmaker Javier Acevedo said that “the use of non-lethal weapons will allow us to address situations such as: Force must be used without firearmsis an intermediate means for the rational and progressive use of force in a confrontation with a violent or threatening person.
It should be noted that these types of devices are Rejected by human rights and social organizations Since they began to be implemented in other jurisdictions, such as the federal police in metro stations and commercial premises, as well as in the provinces of Córdoba and Chubut.
Against this backdrop, and despite the fact that the Legislature is currently addressing these two items in sessions without a clear agenda, no progress has been made. The province’s Ministry of Security and Justice told Rio Negro it is currently “evaluating the use of non-lethal projection equipment as part of a strategy to ensure order and public safety.”
Two projects for the use of non-lethal weapons have been proposed by the Río Negro Legislature: one from the ARI-CC group and the other a few days ago by Primero Río Negro.
In this sense, the portfolio led by Daniel Jara shows that the implementation of “A Bynar pistol (or other handgun with similar functionality) and a Taser (or other handgun with similar functionality).”
According to the ministry, these types of non-lethal weapons are “Tools that offer different features and benefits in controlling risk situations.”
Byner guns use inert powder slugs, pepper spray, tear gas and solid plastic..
The Ministry of Security and Justice reported that the device could “carry out less intrusive interventions aimed at dispersing crowds or temporarily restricting the movement of people without causing permanent damage.”
also pointed out that this is a beneficial “Conflict de-escalation”reduce the health risks of relevant personnel.
Features of the Beiner pistol
They pointed out the main features of this pistol from the ministry:
A) Controlled projection of non-lethal substances– Byner guns allow the use of warheads containing inert powder to target individuals in conflict situations, or the use of pepper spray and tear gas to disperse crowds in a controlled manner without causing permanent harm.
two) Reduce risk situations: The use of these technologies is intended to promote de-escalation of tensions and protect authorities and citizens by avoiding the use of lethal force.
three) Minimize physical damage: Solid plastic rounds, while they may cause temporary discomfort or pain, do not pose the same risk of serious or permanent injury as other controlled devices, such as firearms or high-voltage electrical equipment.
On the other hand, a Taser According to Jarrabe, they are electroshock devices designed to immobilize a person through electric shock, and in some cases have limited effectiveness.
Although its use is intended to minimize the use of deadly force, its effectiveness and potential risks, Especially for people with pre-existing health conditionsIt is said to be being evaluated in detail because it generates a 50,000-volt voltage arc that causes an attacker at a distance of about 5 meters to experience muscle contractions and disorientation for about 10 seconds.
“Studies show that Tasers They should not be used in special circumstances Such as children, pregnant women, the elderly, the mentally ill and people under the influence of drugs,” said information provided by the security and justice authorities.
Once the technical analysis is completed by the Ministry of Security and Justice together with experts on the issue, Formal projects will be submitted to the executive branch for review and eventual implementation.to ensure that decisions are best suited to protect citizens (less intrusive interventions, with lower risks to people’s lives and physical integrity).
Bullrich Department Regulations
Hosted by the Security Department Last July, Patricia Bullrich regulated the use of less-lethal weapons. According to the resolution, examples of “non-lethal weapons designed to incapacitate or incapacitate an aggressor” include:
- A gun that uses a non-lethal discharge to immobilize a target.
- Firearms that fire ammunition containing irritants or other non-lethal chemicals.
- Certain electrical devices intended for police use that can cause non-fatal electric shock.
- Other non-lethal weapons approved under regulations and serving the same purpose.
Neuquen and Less-Lethal Weapons: The Security and Human Rights Debate
In a session filled with debate and controversy, the Neuquén legislature on Nov. 6 approved Law 3,474, which allows provincial police to use Tasers and Bynars, which are described as “less lethal” “Sexual” weapon device.
The initiative, promoted by Councilor Marcelo Bermúdez, was approved by a vote of 25 to 7. Opponents included representatives of the Neuquén Popular Movement, the Left Front and the Fatherland Alliance.
The argument behind the law
Marcelo Bermúdez, defending the project, stressed that the main goall Provide alternatives for police officers to use firearms, such as standard 9 mm handguns. Lawmakers said this type of device would reduce risks to police and people in conflict situations, including victims and alleged criminals.
Bermudez believes that Recent cases, such as one in the city of Cutral Co.a police officer suffered physical harm due to a lack of less lethal tools. “With less lethal weapons, this situation can be avoided,” he said.
The proposal also Aiming to solve the recurring dilemmas faced by agents across the province: The legal and labor implications of using deadly force, which often results in them not intervening in critical situations.
‘Less lethal weapons’ approved for use in Neuquén They are known as Taser and BynasRio Negro is now considering equipping its security forces with the same equipment.
The first of these is the most commonly used under certain circumstances The reduction of one person. Due to its characteristics, Burns prefers situations involving more people.
Questions raised by human rights organizations
However, The project has not been without criticism. Neuquen Human Rights Organization, Led by the Permanent Assembly on Human Rights (APDH), they strongly opposed this. APDH President Walter Pérez questioned the speed of legislating treatment and the risks associated with the use of Tasers.
“They changed the name from non-lethal to less lethal, Recognizing them can lead to death. Judging from precedents such as the Fuenterba or Pablo Ramirez cases, these weapons can cause disaster,” Pérez said.
“They changed the name from non-lethal to non-lethal because they recognized that they could cause death. Given precedents such as the Fuenterba or Pablo Ramirez cases, these weapons could cause disaster.
Walter Pérez, President of Neuquén APDH.
He also raised questions about whether police officers using the equipment would be adequately and permanently trained, something the police force itself considers crucial.
Neuquén police training
Despite the criticism, Neuquén police have begun training to use the devices.
Officers recently participated in a regional conference held at the Higher School of Public Safety aimed at training instructors at the national and international levels.
The training was reportedly designed to prepare agents to use Tasers and Bourne pistols.Serves as an intermediate tool to minimize gun use.
The future of Taser use
With the passage of this law, provincial security opens a new chapter, Tasers are seen as a promise to reduce police lethality.
However, effective implementation and monitoring of its use will be key to avoiding the risks warned by human rights defenders. Neuquén society remains hopeful about the impact this controversial tool will have in practice.
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What are the potential risks of implementing non-lethal weapons in law enforcement for vulnerable populations?
Eapons can be dangerous in practice, especially for vulnerable individuals,” Pérez stated.
Broader Context and Future Implications
The debate surrounding the use of less-lethal weapons in law enforcement continues to evolve in Argentina, particularly in contexts where public safety and human rights intersect. As various provinces, including Neuquén and Río Negro, explore the implementation of non-lethal options, it’s critical to balance the need for police tools with safeguarding the rights and dignity of citizens.
Lawmakers and security officials propose that non-lethal weapons can significantly reduce fatalities during confrontations. However, opponents argue that such measures may still lead to abuse or unintended consequences, reinforcing a culture of increased militarization within police forces.
As these discussions unfold, a comprehensive review of the efficacy, ethical considerations, and the impact on community safety remains vital. The public’s perception of these tools and the legal frameworks governing their use will be pivotal as Argentina navigates these complex issues in law enforcement and public policy.
Ultimately, any decisions made will require transparent dialogue involving lawmakers, security officials, community leaders, and human rights advocates to ensure that all voices are heard and that safety measures do not come at the expense of human rights.