From tomorrow (30 November) some specialist Police units will have a new tactical option available.
Superintendent Bruce Dunstan, Commander of Police's National Tactical Groups, says the XM1006 "sponge round", will now be available to the Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch Armed Offenders Squad (AOS) and national Special Tactics Group (STG), enhancing the range of tactical options already available.
"The sponge round provides specialist Police staff with an effective tool that can help resolve dangerous incidents from a safe distance, where previously firearms may have been the only remaining option. This supplements the variety of tactical options that are already available to us during callouts, as the rounds provide a mid-range option that helps enhance staff and public safety," Mr Dunstan says.
The sponge round is designed to be fired from a 40mm gas launcher, a product already used by STG and AOS.
The rounds, which have a range of approximately 30m, have a high density sponge nose that is very aerodynamic in flight. The nose provides the largest impact surface available, ensuring the rounds won't penetrate on impact. The 40mm projectile is designed to spread its energy across 4.5 times the surface area, which allows it to also be used at extremely close range with no greater risk of injury to the subject.
"While any use of force by Police carries an element of risk, the conditions under which any tactical option may be used will always be dictated by the actions and behaviour of those we are confronted with at the time," Mr Dunstan says. "That said, use of the sponge round is expected to be relatively limited, given that it is only available to a few specialist groups, and that it will not be viable to use in every situation."
Mr Dunstan says Police has consulted with the IPCA and other interest groups before introducing the sponge round. Its use has also been independently reviewed by researchers.
"While the round does cause pain, bruising and abrasions, there is a wealth of international medical evidence that shows the risk of serious or life-threatening injury is extremely low. However, if it assists Police to resolve an armed situation safely without having to resort to firearms, then it has justified its use."
Mr Dunstan stresses that the round is not designed to replace other tactical options, including firearms, which will still be used where absolutely necessary.
"While the sponge round is a welcome addition to the range of tools currently available, it's important to stress that no single tactical option is always necessarily fully effective. These options are more likely to be successful when combined or used in a tiered response."
Use of the rounds will be closely controlled within Police's existing Tactical Options Framework, and subject to the same reporting requirements as other tactical options.
ENDS
Media contact: Ross Henderson, PNHQ Public Affairs, Ph 04 470 7316.
