Increasing Taser Deployment Raises Concerns Amidst Rising Custodial deaths in Spain
The Spanish government is significantly increasing the availability of tasers to its security forces. A recent parliamentary response confirmed that a total of 3,400 taser guns will be deployed, with 3,000 allocated to the Spanish National Police and 400 to the Civil Guard. Currently, 1,600 tasers are already in use by the National Police, with another 1,400 expected to be delivered soon. The Civil Guard intends to procure an additional 800 units by 2028.
The Ministry of the Interior frames this expansion as a means to “reduce the use of lethal force,” but the move is sparking debate due to the lack of complete oversight and data collection surrounding taser use in Spain. Critically, there is no official national record or established protocol detailing the deployment and consequences of these electric weapons.The government has not announced any accompanying measures to address potential issues arising from increased taser availability, raising concerns about accurately tracking deaths or injuries potentially linked to their use.
This increase in less-lethal weaponry occurs against a backdrop of concerning mortality rates within the Spanish criminal justice system. Official data from the Ministry of the Interior, provided to the Congress of Deputies in May 2025, reveals that at least 148 people have died in police custody or during police actions between January 2020 and May 2025. These deaths are categorized as follows: 43 classified as “accidental,” 12 as suicides, and 93 as “natural” deaths occurring while individuals were in police custody or interacting with the National Police and Civil guard. Notably, none of these deaths have been officially classified as homicides.
While the Ministry provides dates and locations related to these deaths, critics highlight a lack of detailed information regarding the specific circumstances and causes. This opacity fuels concerns about openness and effective state oversight.
human rights organizations and experts emphasize the need for improved protocols, especially concerning suicide prevention within police facilities.They also point to a deficiency in thorough investigations to determine potential agent responsibility in these cases.Moreover, the limited availability of public data, coupled with the categorization of deaths as “natural” or “accidental,” hinders comprehensive analysis of potential abuse and mistreatment.
