In an effort to modernize its operational equipment, the Local Police in Santa Cruz de Tenerife will now have taser guns equipped with individual recording cameras. The acquisition of twelve electric weapons allows for the collection of all police actions and the storage of intervention images, which will be available to judicial authorities if needed.
Councilor for Citizen Security, Gladis de León, announced that the City Council has allocated 60,000 euros in the 2024 budget for this initiative to ensure police and citizen safety. De León highlighted the importance of providing police officers with the necessary tools to effectively carry out their duties.
Previously, the police force had 20 electric weapons without recording capabilities. The new weaponry aims to enhance policing capabilities and accountability. These electroshock devices deliver an electric shock upon impact, temporarily immobilizing individuals with about 50,000 volts for approximately 5 seconds.
The cameras, worn by officers on their chests, automatically activate at the start of an intervention, capturing visual evidence that can be used in legal proceedings. When the taser is used, the camera records the previous 30 seconds and subsequent events.
Enhancing Police Capabilities
As part of the 2024 Security budget amounting to 8.5 million euros, additional investments will be made in police logistics. This includes the acquisition of 50 Teatra radio stations, 50 printers, 60 extendable defenses, and pending purchases of new bulletproof vests.
Other planned investments involve acquiring a new vehicle for the Canine Guides unit, a van for crowded areas, electric motorcycles for patrolling pedestrian zones, combustion motorcycles, and renewing police uniforms. These actions are aimed at improving operational efficiency and safety in the city.
Furthermore, investments will be made in the comprehensive renovation of the security and emergency command post, as well as in portable radio stations for enhancing communication networks in the city.
