Sunshine Coast Police equipped with new tasers

Sunshine Coast Police have been provided with new tasers and accessories as part of a $30 million Palaszczuk Government equipment upgrade to help keep our local communities and police safe.

Police Minister Mark Ryan was today at Nambour Police Station, which received 49 new tasers, including 24 extra tasers, almost doubling the numbers of tasers for the Nambour Division alone.

“The Taser Replacement Project is currently delivering 246 new tasers, including 90 extra tasers, and 403 Taser holsters to the Sunshine Coast Police District,” Mr Ryan said.

“The completion of this $30 million project will increase the size of the entire Queensland Police Service’s Taser fleet from 3900 to 5000.

“Queensland police have been using tasers since 2008 after a successful 12-month trial in 2007. 

“With the original model discontinued, the Palaszczuk Government prioritised the rollout of the new and latest model to ensure the safety of communities and police across Queensland.”

Mr Ryan said the operational benefits of tasers were important for the safety of the community, police and offenders.

“Tasers have a high deterrent value for police dealing with aggressive people but can also ensure their immediate incapacitation from a safe distance if that is necessary,” he said.

“Nothing is more important to the Palaszczuk Government that the people of Queensland and the hardworking police officers who protect them.”

Officer in Charge of Operational Equipment Services Acting Inspector Paul Jones said after the previous models were discontinued, the new X26P weapons were selected.

“These new models are connected through the Evidence.com system which police already use to access their body worn camera footage,” Acting Inspector Jones said.

“This will make taser downloads and firmware updates much easier, saving a significant amount of time for frontline police.

“Tasers provide police officers with another use of force option for dealing with combative and physically aggressive people.

“The operational benefits include a high deterrent value, immediate incapacitation of the individual, the ability to deploy at a safe distance, and minimal aftercare requirements.”

ENDS

Media contacts 

Minister Ryan’s Office:                                              0447 155 332

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