A Comparison between the use of firearms by the police in Germany and the USA

• In Event: Mental Health, Public Safety, and Police Professionalism

Abstract

The use of firearms by the police as an ultima ratio of the state's monopoly on the use of is under-researched, with varying perspectives in Europe and growing research interest in the USA, marked by an increase in publications and studies over the last decade. Research focuses on police training and firearm use, examining the circumstances of use and the individuals targeted. It also explores the potential links between the use of firearms and personal factors of those involved, such as ethnic background or mental health. In certain instances, police officers themselves are subjects of intervention.
A sound understanding of the dynamics of the situation and the people involved is an essential building block for the prevention and training of such extreme situations, especially for potentially involved professional groups.
Focusing on the available data and the differences in legislation regarding the use of weapons and the interests of researchers, this presentation will present and analyse the current state of research in the USA in contrast to Germany. With reference to international research on fatal and non-fatal firearm incidents, research gaps will be identified, and finally, conclusions will be drawn and discussed with regard to the prospects for future, in-depth research.

Authors

• Laura Schmitz, University of Münster

• Stefanie Kemme, University of Münster