STATE politicians are calling on Labor to roll out Tasers to all frontline Victorian police officers.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cDaniel Andrews should respect the calls of The Police Association and fund a complete rollout of Tasers in Victoria as a priority,\u201d he said at the Police Association Victoria delegates conference on Friday.<\/p>\n
\u201cLabor has dragged its heels on Tasers for too long. Victoria Police on the frontline deserve this important tool to keep themselves and others safe.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Figures from Victoria Police reveal officers carrying Tasers used them 144 times last financial year, up from 136 during the previous period.<\/p>\n
In the Upper House last week, Mr Grimley, who has a long career as a police officer, said he could \u201cpersonally attest\u201d to the effectiveness of Tasers.<\/p>\n
\u201cTasers are a necessary component to the frontline police member\u2019s options, if we are to be serious about protecting their welfare and the safety of our community.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur 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.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 […]<\/p>\n