Victorian politicians push for Tasers

STATE politicians are calling on Labor to roll out Tasers to all frontline Victorian police officers.

Liberal MP David Southwick and Justice Party MP Stuart Grimley have both shown their support for police Taser use across Victoria in the last week, with both leaders insisting they are an important tactical option for cops at risk of harm when handling violent offenders.

Recent attacks on emergency workers, including an assault against two St Kilda police officers in February, has seen Shadow Minister for Police David Southwick apply pressure to the Victorian Premier.

“Daniel Andrews should respect the calls of The Police Association and fund a complete rollout of Tasers in Victoria as a priority,” he said at the Police Association Victoria delegates conference on Friday.

“Labor has dragged its heels on Tasers for too long. Victoria Police on the frontline deserve this important tool to keep themselves and others safe.”

As part of a government plan in 2014, frontline officers in some regional areas including Geelong, Mildura, Warrnambool and Wangaratta carry the conducted energy devices. Specialist police also carry Tasers.

Figures from Victoria Police reveal officers carrying Tasers used them 144 times last financial year, up from 136 during the previous period.

In the Upper House last week, Mr Grimley, who has a long career as a police officer, said he could “personally attest” to the effectiveness of Tasers.

“Tasers are a necessary component to the frontline police member’s options, if we are to be serious about protecting their welfare and the safety of our community.

“Our protectors are placing themselves at risk on a daily basis, with more than 3,000 known assaults on police officers last year, it is irresponsible and reckless of us not to allow every police member on the frontline access to Tasers to protect them from such horrendous attacks.”