Police Commissioner Mike Bush has revealed a major rollout of extra equipment for frontline staff.
Hundreds of extra Tasers and tactical sets – comprising hard armour plate, Bushmaster rifle and Glock pistol – will be delivered to districts.
Firearms training will be increased and the rollout of a new, improved body armour system is being accelerated.
Commissioner Bush says on visits to Police districts since the 15 March attacks he had been talking to leadership teams and frontline staff about what they needed.
“Our job as the Police Executive is to ensure that we equip and enable our staff effectively so they can do their jobs to the best of their ability,” he says.
While staff are generally satisfied with their overall level of equipment, Commissioner Bush says, “we have listened to what they’ve said about where we can improve our capability and we are committed to buying more gear”.
The rollout includes:
- 179 extra tactical sets to be delivered to districts this financial year; and 482 next year;
- 517 extra Tasers to be delivered this year;
- 387 extra weapons for specialist groups;
- 50 percent increase in live fire training and 50 percent increase in simunition training;
- body armour rollout to be completed a year early, by June 2021.
“As Commissioner my job is to ensure we do everything we can keep our frontline staff safe,” says Commissioner Bush.
Inspector Andrew Sissons, Acting National Manager Response and Operations, says the new equipment will be in districts very quickly, with Tasers and tactical sets due to be delivered before the end of June.
“The equipment we’re delivering will help frontline responders address the risks they face on a daily basis,” he says.
“A good portion of these products are being delivered in the next three weeks. They’re literally loading the trucks now.”