[Greens-Media] (Hale MLC) Police Shooting Indicates Police Need Better Training Not More Weapons

[Christopher Holley]

Police Shooting Indicates Police Need Better Training Not More Weapons


The NSW Greens' Police spokesperson, Sylvia Hale MLC, has criticised
Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell for calling for more NSW Police
Officers to be issued with Taser stun guns following the fatal shooting
by Victorian police of a 15 year old boy.

“The shooting in Victoria is a tragedy for the young man and his
family and I’m sure the police officers involved are traumatised by
what occurred,” Ms Hale said.

 “The circumstances of the shooting are not yet clear but if
incidents like this point to anything it is that police need better
training, not more weapons,” Ms Hale said.

“The NSW Ombudsman recently recommended that the roll-out of Tasers
be suspended because of a lack of clear guidance for police officers
about how and when to deploy Tasers. In light of the Ombudsman’s
report it is irresponsible of Mr O’Farrell to be calling for the
roll-out of Tasers to be accelerated,” Ms Hale said.

“Police need training in alternative, non-lethal means for dealing
with situations like this. Tasers are not a non-lethal alternative.
Amnesty International has reported over 290 Taser-related deaths in the
United States and Canada and Taser International has been a respondent
in 34 wrongful death lawsuits in the US,” Ms Hale said.

Further information or comment: Chris Holley (02) 9230 3030 / 0437 779
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