Can you just buy a stun gun or taser? It’s complicated
The answer to the question whether you can buy a taser or stun gun in Poland without a permit is one – it depends. Specifically, on the current in the circuit.
People are not indifferent to electricity. Flowing through the body, it can cause severe muscle spasms, burns, disturb the heart, and even lead to circulatory and respiratory arrest.
The current from a stun gun or taser directly affects the neuromuscular system, causing severe pain, muscle spasms, disorientation and temporary incapacitation – theoretically without causing permanent damage to health. Theoretically, because in Poland, more than once, the use of a stun gun by policemen resulted not only in loss of consciousness, but simply death.
What devices do the police use? A taser is also a stun gun
The creators of stun guns and tasers used electricity as a weapon. How do they differ? The stun gun requires direct application, and the taser fires electrodes (probes) at a distance of up to several meters, so there is no need to come into direct contact with the opponent.
A traditional stun gun works by contact and is mainly based on causing pain. The Taser strikes neuromuscularly, blocking the nervous system and causing immediate, unconditional muscle contraction. Tasers are most often reusable devices with usage data recorders. A regular stun gun is a simpler and cheaper device.
Police officers are equipped with three main models of the American brand: Taser X2, Taser X26 and Taser X26P. Can an ordinary Pole use a stun gun or taser?
Tests and permission from the police. Polish manual required
Stun guns with a current intensity of up to 10 mA are fully legal in Poland for adults and do not require a permit. Most devices intended for the civilian market (e.g. available in military and weapons stores) meet this requirement, but before purchasing it, it is always worth making sure that the purchased equipment has Polish instructions and meets certain standards to avoid legal problems.
Some models look like a gun. They are equipped with a laser sight and sometimes also with a flashlight that can be illuminated and potentially blind the attacker. Many models also come with a holster. Note – do not shock with a stun gun or taser for longer than five seconds at a time.
Pursuant to the Weapons and Ammunition Act, more powerful devices are classified as weapons and require appropriate permits issued by the police and passing tests. They can only be used as part of necessary defense.
