Use of water jet cannon as a coercive mean of the police in selected countries of the European Union and its use during a pandemic in Slovenia
Purpose:
By comparing domestic and foreign legislation, we studied the similarities and differences in the methods and conditions of using the water jet as a coercive measure of police in Slovenia and selected countries of the European Union (EU). We also determined whether there were more cases of water jet use in Slovenia during the coronavirus pandemic than in the previous years.
Design/Methods/Approach:
The paper is qualitative in nature, where we used methods of description and compilation as part of the review of scientific and professional literature and legislation. We analysed previous annual reports of the police in the field of coercive measures, with an emphasis on the use of water jet. By comparing domestic and foreign legislation on the use of coercive measures of police, we also used methods of comparison and synthesis, where we upgraded the research process by combining and compiling simple thoughts into meaningful conclusions.
Findings:
The results show that in the implementation of measures to contain the virus during the pandemic, it was true that more cases of use of water jet were detected in Slovenia than in the previous period. The findings also show that the regulation of the use of a water jet as a coercive measure of police is relatively similar between EU Member States, with a few exceptions. Both in Slovenia and elsewhere, there is room for quite a few improvements in this area that will need to be considered in the future.
Practical Implications:
The contribution represents transparency in the regulation of coercive measures in EU countries compared to our country. As is noted, elsewhere they are not very accurate in terms of conditions of use and leave open possibilities, especially when adding gaseous products to the water jet. All this indicates the need to precisely define the use of the water jet with various additives in its use.
Originality/Value:
Not much research has been carried out on use of water jet, and little attention has been dedicated to it, until such coercive measure began to be used while restoring law and order in the face of mass violations.
UDC: 351.741
Keywords: police, coercive, water jet, water cannon, mass violation, public order and peace