Estonia: Police officers forced to draw weapons every week

Police officers in Estonia are required to draw their weapons almost every week on duty, primarily due to the prevalence of gas pistols and starter guns that resemble real firearms, ERR reports. However, police officers actually discharge their firearms only a few times a year. Armin Saarits, head of the Special Preparedness Unit at the Police and Border Guard’s (PPA) Northern Prefecture, warned that officers cannot determine whether weapon-like devices are actually real guns in high-stress situations. The police force prioritises training and equips officers with strong communication skills to handle intense and dangerous situations. Officers carry various tools, humourously referred to as "the arguments," including service rifles, taser guns, gas rifles, telescopic batons, and handcuffs, using them only when appropriate. Saarits assured that Estonian society was very stable and people were calm.