Deputy Speaker of the Polish Sejm, Krzysztof Bosak, argued that border services should have the authority to use firearms in proportion to the threats they face at the Polish border.
“If health or life is endangered, the orders should be such that they can use firearms that shoot,” Bosak stated during an interview on Polsat News commercial TV channel, emphasizing the need for clear rules of engagement.
Bosak, representing the Confederation party, also commented on the government’s plan to reintroduce a buffer zone along the Polish-Belarusian border. He noted: “The government has not asked for our support, nor do they need it. We have supported border security before there was even a barrier.”
Further discussing the empowerment of border officers, Bosak asserted, “They are uniformed formations, however, they should have orders to use weapons proportionally to the situation.”
He clarified the importance of ensuring that officers can respond appropriately to threats without exceeding necessary force.
Additionally, Bosak highlighted the need for better support and equipment for the Border Guard and Polish soldiers stationed at the border.
“Over two years ago, I publicly questioned the instructions regarding the use of weapons and the availability of direct coercion means for the officers,” he said, suggesting that focusing on these aspects is crucial for effective border security.
Reflecting on the types of firearms, Bosak pointed out that the public often misunderstands the range of available weapons.
“People often think about firearms as being rifles with live ammunition. However, we have smoothbore weapons, shot ammunition, various kinds of weapons that deter but do not kill,” he explained.
Addressing broader issues, Bosak criticized the previous and current government efforts concerning border security, suggesting that there has been no significant innovation in strategies since the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party’s policies were enacted.
He also disparaged the opposition for their lack of clarity regarding fortification plans, emphasizing that government policies have not diverged significantly across different administrations.
Bosak also condemned any support for illegal migration corridors, asserting that such positions compromise Poland’s security and align with the interests of Belarusian and Russian services.
