EN_CPT_AR.book Page 37 Monday, October 25, 2010 5:14 PM Electrical discharge weapons 73. Having regard to the limits of its mandate, the CPT has been reluctant to adopt a firm position vis-à-vis the use of electrical discharge weapons in the context of operations for the maintenance or restoration of public order (e.g. control of demonstrations). That said, in the light of the principles set out in paragraph 70 above, the resort to EDW during such operations can be considered inappropriate unless there is a real and immediate threat to life or risk of serious injury. The law enforcement officials involved will (or should) have at their disposal other means of protection and action that are specifically adapted to the task in hand. It is noteworthy that some police forces in Europe have excluded the use of EDW in the course of operations to control public demonstrations. 74. Particular reference should be made to stun belts and similar devices. The CPT has made clear its opposition to the use of equipment of this kind for controlling the movements of detained persons, whether inside or outside places of deprivation of liberty. Such equipment is, in the Committee’s opinion, inherently degrading for the person to whom it is applied, and the scope for misuse is particularly high. Alternative means of ensuring security during the movements of detained persons can and should be found. Instructions and training 75. Following any decision to issue EDW, the authorities concerned must ensure that detailed instructions are disseminated within the services which will have such weapons at their disposal. Further, the officials who may use the weapons must be specifically selected – taking into account their resistance to stress and faculty of discernment – and suitably trained. An in-service training programme should be put in place together with regular testing (see also paragraph 80). Technical aspects 76. As with any weapon system, before the EDW in question are made available they should be the subject of a technical authorisation procedure. This procedure should, in particular, ensure that the number, duration and intensity of the electrical discharges is limited to a safe level. The CPT knows of cases in which persons deprived of their liberty have been subjected to several electrical discharges in quick succession; such excessive, unnecessary use of force certainly qualifies as illtreatment. In addition, provision should be made for a regular maintenance/ servicing procedure. 37