Tasers Demanded by Police Force

On Friday the Victoria Police Association stated it is working on a plan to limit a number of its ordinary functions, including refusing to issue penalty notices. The decision occurred following 14 meetings with officers across the state. Citing antiquated equipment and understaffing issues, in addition to interference with effectively performing their duties, Victoria Police officers are extremely concerned with safety issues both for the community and members of their force. Additional concerns include “powers bestowed upon the Office of Police Integrity.”

Resolutions stated: "As the current State Government and Chief Commissioner of Police have refused to take adequate steps to resolve the issue of resourcing and, as it affects community safety and members of Victoria Police, this meeting calls for the implementation of work bans," and "That this meeting demand force command supply all members with a non-lethal option of Tasers by January 1, 2009."

Bans called for could be enforced by the end of July, officials stated. The Police Association is concerned that the public know that actions proposed are because they have the “community safety and member welfare” at heart. Meetings generating a call for bans followed a police rally at Rod Laver Arena in April. Police officials have said that “their hands were being forced on the issue.”

While a lack of resources is the biggest concern, officers are adamant about the need for non-lethal Tasers for its officers.