The Cyprus Police Association, following recent incidents at the AEK-AEL match, has proposed – among other measures – the use of special equipment by officers serving in riot control units.
They specifically mentioned special guns firing rubber bullets (with a 15-metre range), claiming these pose no risk to human life (with “impact force less than a punch”).
Whether or not we agree with this suggestion, we shouldn’t dismiss every well-intentioned attempt at finding a solution.
However, it’s worth noting that when we haven’t even resolved simpler issues, we shouldn’t be pursuing such elaborate solutions.
Who would approve of police firing anything at pampered hooligans? We’ve already turned simpler matters, like police body cameras, into rocket science.
Body cameras have been successfully used abroad for many years, while in Cyprus we’re still trying to figure things out. After years of parliamentary discussions, the relevant bill is still being processed.
To put it briefly, we need more realistic, immediately implementable solutions.
Φ.Μ.
