Number of taser deployments in Hesse increases - Hesse's Taser Use Surges, Linked to Three Fatalities
Hesse's police have seen a rise in Taser usage, with 80 incidents by September 30, 2025, compared to 62 in the same period last year. Tragically, this increase has been accompanied by three fatalities, two of which were primarily caused by pre-existing health conditions.
Tasers have been a part of Hesse's policing arsenal since 2005, initially reserved for specialized units, and since 2019, they've been available to patrol and shift officers. By 2024, every regional police directorate was equipped with them, leading to a wider use across the state.
The LKA Hessen classifies Tasers as a less severe measure compared to firearms. While they can have a de-escalating effect, reducing officer injuries, they have also been linked to three fatalities since their introduction. In two of these cases, pre-existing health conditions were the primary cause of death. Only one fatality was directly caused by Taser use, but the officer responsible remains unidentified due to a lack of public information.
The increase in Taser usage in Hesse has raised concerns, with three fatalities linked to their deployment. While they can serve as a de-escalation tool, their wider availability has also led to more incidents. The lack of public information about the officer involved in the direct Taser-related fatality highlights the need for transparency in such critical matters.
