Local police equipped with new tasers

Published Saturday, 02 February, 2019 at 12:30 PM

Minister for Police and Minister for Corrective Services
The Honourable Mark Ryan

Minister for Police and Minister for Corrective Services, the Honourable Mark Ryan MP, Capalaba MP Don Brown and Redlands MP Kim Richards joined police at Capalaba Station today to mark the delivery of new upgraded tasers to help local officers keep the community safe.

The rollout of the new tasers across the district will take place between February 4 and 8.

At the completion of the rollout there will be 160 extra tasers available bringing the total number of tasers across the South Brisbane District to 588.

Capalaba MP Don Brown 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 immediate incapacitation from a safe distance if that is necessary,” Mr Brown said.

Redlands MP Kim Richards said it was important that police had access to the best technology. 

“Nothing is more important to the Palaszczuk Government than the safety of the people of Queensland and the hardworking police officers who protect them," the Redlands MP said.

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

The Police Minister said the Palaszczuk Government prioritised the rollout of the new and latest model to ensure the safety of communities and police across Queensland.

"The new X26P weapons, which have been selected as the replacement model, are connected through the Evidence.com system which police already use to access their body worn camera footage.

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

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.

 

Media contacts 

Minister Ryan’s Office: Ph: (07) 3035 8300

Police Media: Ph: (07) 3015 2444