North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Germany, has witnessed a significant surge in the number of small weapons licenses issued, reaching a record high as of the end of June 2024. According to a spokesperson for the state’s criminal investigation department, figures reveal 237,818 such permits were registered across the state, representing an increase of over 15,000 in a single year. The small weapons license permits individuals to carry blank firing, irritant gas and signal weapons in public.
The increase has drawn concern from NRW Interior Minister Herbert Reul, who emphasized the state’s commitment to maintaining a monopoly on the use of force. “Our responsibility is to ensure the safety and security of our citizens” Reul stated, noting the importance of law enforcement’s role. He underscored that carrying weapons is unnecessary and cautioned against adopting practices resembling those found in the United States, where firearms are more integrated into everyday life. Reul stressed that possessing a small weapons license is a matter of responsibility, not a casual undertaking.
Patrick Schlüter, the incoming chairman of the Police Union (GdP) in NRW, believes the rise in licenses reflects a growing sense of insecurity among certain segments of the population. He voiced concerns about the potential risks associated with the trend. “Blank firing weapons can be difficult to distinguish from genuine firearms, even for police officers” Schlüter explained, warning that individuals carrying such weapons should anticipate a proportionate response from law enforcement given the potential for misidentification.