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Supervision of the exercise of powers
Registration
Information on incidents where force is used is available in the police case system.
When records are made on cases, the police must record any use of force and in what manner. Examples are whether a weapon was used or whether there was a threat to use a weapon.
Application of electrical defence weapons
If an electrical protection weapon is used, a report on the use must be written immediately and reported to the officers. The report must state the reasons for the use, how the electrical protection weapon was used and the measures that were subsequently taken to prevent damage caused by the use. A special committee shall review each case where an electrical protection weapon is used.
Police armed
All cases where police are armed with:
gas weapons,
revolver,
firearms,
and explosives
must also be recorded. The necessary information must be provided, such as the reason why police were armed, a brief description of events and whether shots were fired.
Approval of the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police
The National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police determines more precisely what type of weapons the police possess. He also decides what minimum training officers must receive as an annual maintenance training in the use of police weapons.
Firearms possession
The National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police maintains a record of police weapons possession which is confidential, for example because of security concerns.
Complaining about police treatment
Anyone who believes that a police officer has:
committed criminal offences in the workplace,
engaged in a reprehensible working method or conduct in the workplace,
or is unhappy with the general police practices,
may contact an independent administrative committee.
Service provider
The Icelandic Police