Push for Tasers for all frontline Victorian police
Every frontline police officer would carry a Taser in a game-changing plan as figures show they stop dangerous offenders in almost every instance.
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Every frontline police officer would carry a Taser in a game-changing plan as figures show they stop dangerous offenders in almost every instance.
The sickening St Kilda attack on two police has increased pressure on Victoria Police command for the arsenal boost.
The Sunday Herald Sun has learned the State Government is working with the force to consider a future rollout to general duties police across Melbourne.
SIX PEOPLE CHARGED OVER ST KILDA POLICE ATTACK
Only specialist police and frontline officers in selected regional areas carry Tasers under existing protocols.
Police Association Victoria secretary Wayne Gatt, whose organisation is pushing for the expansion, saidTasers — also called conducted energy devices or CEDs — could “dramatically change” how police approached dangerous situations.
Two policeman set upon at St Kilda two weeks ago were not armed with the devices.
“It lends to a much more hands-off approach,’’ Mr Gatt said.
“Data clearly shows that even when threatened it promotes compliance, creating a safer environment to police and suspects to resolve a situation non-violently.
“CEDs are a valuable tactical option when general duties police find themselves with no other option but to resolve an incident on their own in situations like the recent one in Bourke St and in virtually every incident in which they confront armed or violent offenders.”
All frontline police in Queensland have had Tasers since 2009 and they are common among general duties officers overseas.
Victoria’s police union has written to the State Government asking it follow suit.
“The safety of our members and the community is the sole reason we want this,’” Mr Gatt said.
Victoria Police figures show officers already equipped with Tasers used them 144 times last financial year, up from 136 during the previous period.
Suspects were overpowered, complied with police or were taken into custody under mental health provisions on almost every occasion.
Just two ran off.
Drawing the Taser or triggering a warning arc were all that was necessary in all but 37 cases where probes were deployed.
Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton said Tasers were proven in defusing high-risk incidents, but not the only tool available
.
“General duties police across the state have a range of tactical tools they can utilise which include a baton, OC spray and firearm,’’ Mr Patton said.
“There are no immediate plans to roll out CEDs to general duties police in Melbourne as the specialist units that have CEDs can be rapidly deployed to support metropolitan police.
“However, Victoria Police constantly reviews our use of all tactical equipment and the future needs of our officers.”
Police Minister Lisa Neville said: “We’ll continue to ensure that police are equipped with the necessary equipment they need to perform their duties safely and effectively.”
The Critical Incident Response Team and Special Operations Group have Tasers along with general duties and highway patrol officers at 37 regional stations.