Handheld metal detectors have been added to police officers’ equipment, reports RÚV.
The decision comes as a response to the growing issue of weapon carrying in society. According to Chief Superintendent Bergur Jónsson of the Northeast Iceland Police, recent incidents have shown an increase in violence within the region’s drug scene.
Bergur stated that callouts in recent weeks indicate a rise in both violence and weapon possession. In a statement issued this morning, the police reiterated the ban on carrying weapons and the legal consequences for offenders.
As a response, officers have been equipped with small, portable metal detectors designed to check for concealed weapons. However, Bergur emphasised that the detectors are not a foolproof solution. He described a recent case where a police officer was arresting a suspect who, despite being restrained, suddenly turned around with a knife in the other hand. In such close-range situations, he noted, protective equipment offers little defense.
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