Semi-automatic rifles to increase Victoria Police firepower
Frontline police and specialist officers in Victoria will be given semi-automatic rifles to help police overpower terrorists and crazed attackers.
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Eight hundred semi-automatic rifles will be issued to Victoria Police officers in a big boost to combat crime.
Frontline police and specialist officers will be given the weapons to help police overpower terrorists and crazed attackers.
The 5.56mm calibre rifles, which can carry up to 30 rounds and shoot with accuracy from 300m, signal a dramatic increase in Victoria Police’s firepower amid concern they are being outgunned by crooks with large arsenals.
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The rapid-deployment Operational Response Unit, which deals with major incidents and disasters at short notice, will be issued the rifles within a year.
The Sunday Herald Sun has confirmed general duties police in Geelong, Ballarat, Morwell and Shepparton will also be trained to use them.
Victoria Police spokeswoman Beck Angel said: “Police in international cities across the world have access to semiautomatic rifles.
“This capability will give Victoria Police more tactical options to use when responding to extreme incidents and it provides community reassurance, particularly at times of heightened risk.
“In an increasingly complex policing environment, better access to technology and specialised equipment, a highly trained police force, and law reform are all essential.”
Documents show the rifles will help Victoria Police deal with “mass-casualty events”, incidents involving armed offenders, terrorism and “violent offending more broadly”.
The Sunday Herald Sun has been told it is difficult for officers with a pistol to hit a moving man-sized target at 20m under pressure.
“It’s like taking a knife to a gunfight,’’ a source said.
The accuracy of the new weapons is also seen as a plus for protecting innocent bystanders from stray bullets as the bullets typically don’t travel through their target.
Police Association Victoria secretary Wayne Gatt, whose organisation had pushed for the firearms, said the measure would keep officers and the public safe.
Victoria Police had initially flagged plans to buy 600 of the new weapons, but that number has been bolstered with about 800 officers statewide to be trained in their use.
General duties police won’t carry the rifles on patrol but will store them at stations.
“In the current environment with the increased threat of terrorism and mass-casualty events facing our members and the community, having additional tactical options like these long-arm firearms at the disposal of potential first responders will help our members protect the community they serve,’’ Mr Gatt said. “Given the time it can take to get specialist units to country areas, it is critical that our regional members have access to these weapons should they be called to respond to a terrorist or mass-casualty incident.”
The guns will be fitted with optical sighting systems and tactical lights.
“These new longarm rifles will ensure police can respond quickly and effectively to critical incidents,’’ Police Minister Lisa Neville said.