The use of weapons by the police in different countries

White police officer who in the American city of Ferguson in August killed black teenager as he said - in self-defense, acquitted. Ordinary citizens, outraged and disappointed by the decision of the jury, to protest. Riots started. On the streets appeared armored vehicles and police with machine guns, to suppress the protests, police fired tear gas grenades and auditory. This has caused the United States a wave of discussion on the use of weapons by the police.

We decided to find out in which cases the weapons in the hands of the police in different countries may be used against the population.

Police in Belgium

In Belgium the police can legally use proportionate force only after a warning, in a situation where there are no other means to achieve this goal. The police may use firearms in self-defense during clashes with armed criminals, as well as for the protection of critical persons or objects in the country, but never - during mass events.

The police in Malaysia

In Malaysia, the police may use firearms only when it is used by the protesters themselves. Over 59 years of existence FRU - police offices in Kuala Lumpur (pictured) - the police never used weapons of war.

Police in the Philippines

In the Philippines, the use of weapons against the suspect is allowed only when his actions threaten the lives of police or the victim (which threatens the suspect).

The police in Venezuela

In Venezuela, the police controlling peaceful demonstrations are not allowed to carry firearms. If there is a threat to public order, as well as other methods of conflict resolution have not brought results, the police warned that the use of force would be "enhanced". These measures may not be directed against children, the elderly and other "vulnerable" groups. You can not use force to those who want to escape the violence and leave the scene.

The police in Mexico

In Mexico, if the "violence of the crowd can not be stopped", the police may gradually use more rigorous suppression measures: 1) verbal persuasion; 2) limited physical impact; 3) other measures such as the use stunners; 4) the use of firearms and other means that may lead to death.

in Serbia Police

In Serbia, police officers can use a variety of methods of force - from clubs to special vehicles, water cannons and tear gas - to quell the unrest during illegal meetings. Nevertheless, firearms may be used only when human life is at stake.

The police in Afghanistan

In this country, the police can use the weapons or explosives against a group of people only if they "use weapons and threaten security and other repressive measures proved ineffective." Afghan police in front of the use of arms must do six warnings that it will be used: three verbal, and three warning shots.

The police in India

The members of the Rapid Reaction Force - Force India - New Delhi (pictured), which are involved in the suppression of the riots when the police can not cope with the situation. That their actions were considered legitimate at the scene must be present judge. Before any escalation of the use of force should be given a warning. During the riot police must adhere to a specific sequence in the application of measures against the population: first, water cannon and then tear gas, rubber bullets, and only then a firearm.

The police in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The police can be used against the population of a firearm or other on explosives based devices only when other measures have proved ineffective, the crowd was advised of the possibility of their use, and no children among the protesters, the elderly and people with disabilities (unless they shooting at police officers).

Police in Poland

The Polish police may use firearms only in cases where there is a direct threat to the life or health of a police officer or another person, as well as the protection of critical facilities. The police also have the right to use weapons in situations where the suspect does not respond to a request to give a firearm or other dangerous objects or trying to take away the weapons of the police.

The police in Austria

The Austrian police can use weapons to suppress riots or arrest dangerous suspects, but only when other measures "may seem inadequate or have proved to be ineffective." These measures must also be proportionate to the situation and the use of weapons must be preceded by a warning.

The police in Italy

In Italy, police and carabinieri may use weapons only if there is "the need to overcome the resistance to stop the violence or to prevent serious crime." Measures applied should be proportionate to the situation.

United Nations Security Force

UN staff must comply with the rules provided for police in the Swiss cantons. From their formulation implies that "the use of weapons in proportion to the circumstances permitted in extreme cases." Police officers should, however, "not cause for serious wounds as much as possible," and "the use of firearms must be preceded by a warning shot, if circumstances permit."

The headquarters of the United Nations Office at Geneva is extraterritorial and not subject to Swiss jurisdiction.

The police in England

In the UK, "a potentially deadly measures can be used only when it is absolutely necessary." According to the law, the right to the use of weapons is permitted in self-defense or defense of others when there is a threat to life or of serious injury.