El deber policial de protección y la coacción policial como deber en España. Especial referencia a las zonas de seguridad como alternativa al uso de las armas

Abstract

The State holds a monopoly on the legitimate use of physical force in return for its duty to protect citizens. Within this framework, police coercion—particularly the use of weapons by law enforcement officers—may constitute the fulfilment of a legal duty in the face of serious threats to public security. The exercise of such power is governed by the principle of proportionality, which requires that priority be given to alternative measures that are effective while being less intrusive. Among these measures are restrictions on freedom of movement, such as the establishment of security zones, which aim to prevent attacks by separating potential aggressors and victims. Failure to comply with this duty of protection may give rise to the patrimonial liability of the Public Administration.