- Published:
- Wednesday 30 August 2023
Victorian frontline police and Protective Services Officers (PSOs) will soon be equipped with new conducted energy devices (CEDs), ensuring they have more non-lethal options to help them safely respond to violent offenders and keep the community safe.
Following the signing of a major supply contract, Victoria Police has entered into an agreement with US-based supplier Axon to supply the Taser 7 model, which offers improved technology, accuracy and safety.
The rollout is expected to begin in November with the Special Operations Group, Critical Incident Response Team and police at 36 regional stations to be the first to receive the new CEDs – replacing existing units issued up to five years ago.
The new CEDs - often referred to as tasers - will be provided to all frontline police and protective services officers over the next three years. The rollout to remaining police and all PSOs will begin in April next year and run through until September 2026.
To ensure appropriate accountability measures are in place, an officer's bodyworn camera will automatically activate to record what has happened when a CED is used.
Specialist training will be provided to all police officers and PSOs on how to use the CEDs, and police stations will also be fitted out so the equipment can be stored safely and securely.
The Andrews Labor Government has delivered $214 million over five years as part of the Victorian Budget 2022/23, to fund the rollout.
This builds on the Labor Government’s record $4.5 billion investment to recruit more than 3,600 new sworn police officers, as well as state-of the-art intelligence systems, new technology, new and upgraded police stations, and stronger laws.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Police Anthony Carbines
“Victoria’s dedicated police officers and PSOs deal with volatile situations and dangerous individuals. It’s critical they have the appropriate resources to keep the community – and themselves – safe.”
“The statewide rollout of conducted energy devices means we are delivering on our commitment to ensure police and PSOs have more options at their disposal to continue their vital work in keeping all Victorians safe.”