Page 2011 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 7 June 2017
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note, the ACT government’s $5.3 million nightlife package includes $4.9 million over four years for six additional police officers to patrol nightlife precincts, providing a stronger and more visible presence to boost public safety.
This budget also delivers on our election commitment to equip more ACT police with conducted energy weapons, commonly known as tasers. These additional resources for ACT Policing in terms of both staff and equipment recognise the importance of ensuring that our police officers have the support they need to protect our community.
I am also pleased to inform the Assembly that the 2017-18 ACT budget includes funding for increased protective security measures for ACT Policing, funding to plan for future operating models and accommodation for ACT Policing in the ACT and it has provisioned funding for an upgrade of ACT Policing’s water policing facilities.
These initiatives are a result of extensive discussions with ACT Policing on what resources our police members need to continue to provide their high quality support and service to the Canberra community.
MS ORR: Could the minister please provide further information about how the budget funding to equip more police with tasers will contribute to community safety?
MR GENTLEMAN: I thank Ms Orr for her supplementary question.
Providing more police with tasers further equips our police officers with the resources they need to keep the ACT community and police safe. The use of tasers has resulted in the successful de-escalation of potentially lethal incidents and gives police a less lethal use-of-force option to deal with life-threatening situations. Tasers can be deployed from a safe distance and inflict less pain for a shorter period of time than other police use-of-force options such as capsicum spray and batons.
However, primary emphasis continues to be on the use of negotiation, communication, of course, and de-escalation techniques, prior to using physical force. Governance and oversight arrangements are in place to assure the community that any use of force is appropriate and reasonably necessary in the circumstances.
The tasers used by ACT Policing will be fitted with cameras and the existing governance and specialist training will continue to ensure that there is accountability around the use of tasers. I am pleased the ACT government has delivered this commitment to increasing the safety of our front-line police.
MS CHEYNE: Can the minister provide further information about how the budget funding to provide additional police resources to combat alcohol fuelled violence will contribute to community safety?
MR GENTLEMAN: I thank Ms Cheyne for her question. Alcohol-related crime is an ongoing priority for ACT Policing, as it continues to place a significant financial, social and health burden on our community. The additional officers announced as part of the ACT government’s nightlife package will enhance and strengthen the platform
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