The Swedish Work Environment Authority has issued a ban prohibiting police from using live distraction grenades in training exercises, according to reports from Motala Vadstena Tidning. The decision follows a fatal accident that occurred in September during a police training exercise outside Motala, where one person died after being struck by a distraction grenade.
The authority determined that safety deficiencies were so significant that the activity must be prohibited until the police can guarantee a safe work environment. The Swedish Police Authority risks a fine of half a million kronor if it fails to comply with the ban.
Three individuals have reportedly been served with suspicion of causing another's death in connection with the accident. Police have already voluntarily suspended the use of distraction grenades in training and exercises on their own initiative, pending the outcome of the preliminary investigation.
The incident has prompted a review of safety protocols for police training involving explosive devices, with authorities emphasizing the need for enhanced safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.