Mr MILLS - 2000-03-01
I understand some Territory police are about to undergo training in the use of capsicum spray. Can the minister explain the basis on which police are approaching this non-lethal means of resolving potentially violent situations?
ANSWER
Honourable members would be aware that - in fact, I think the precise figure is about 46.6% - we’ve increased the police budget over the last 5 years and much of that has been directed to an additional 150 extra police for Territorians so that they, and their property, can be safer. Of course, the large component of that additional funding is also directed at providing additional resources and equipment for police. Trials of the aerosol subject restraints, known as ASRs, and also known as olio resin capsicum spray or OC sprays, and training will commence in the Darwin metropolitan area. The trial itself will begin around mid March – that is the middle of this month.
ASRs are presently either in use or under trial in all other police forces across Australia. They are an accepted method of offering members of the police force another less-than lethal option when violence that is directed at police or indeed other citizens from time to time.
Officers undertaking OC spray training are not expected, as a matter of course, to be exposed to a primary contaminant of the spray. The use of ASR falls within a use-of-force regime taught to members of the police force in their operational safety and tactics training. The particular model taught is regarded as best practice in Australia. The ASR is included within the model as ‘other less-than-lethal weapons’.
It is important that we provide an opportunity for police to avail themselves of training for these particular items. In simple terms, olio resin sprays fall into a gap between the use of basic hands-on force and the use of greater force involving batons or firearms. From the point of view of the Northern Territory, thankfully, our police do not have to face on a basis as regular as those police in places like New South Wales and Victoria and the higher populated centres of Australia, high levels of violence. But, nonetheless, on the occasions that police are confronted with someone in violent circumstances who they have to deal with, it is appropriate to use these sprays, and the government supports the Police Commissioner in entering into these trials.
The police do have at hand the most appropriate means by which they can deal with situations that are sometimes very difficult and life threatening. Olio resin sprays will fill that gap and the trials will, as I say, commence within a couple of weeks time. They will be then assessed. The Police Commissioner will determine the application of these sprays in the Northern Territory Police Force.
At 1 00pm today there will be some demonstrations given by police force members at the Berrimah Police Complex. The media has been invited to view those, to talk to police, and they will be advised of the operational and management regimes that will be applied to the use of these particular items. I am sure honourable members will agree with the government that we should provide our police with the level of support and resources that are appropriate, and this will be an advance in that regard.
ANSWER
Honourable members would be aware that - in fact, I think the precise figure is about 46.6% - we’ve increased the police budget over the last 5 years and much of that has been directed to an additional 150 extra police for Territorians so that they, and their property, can be safer. Of course, the large component of that additional funding is also directed at providing additional resources and equipment for police. Trials of the aerosol subject restraints, known as ASRs, and also known as olio resin capsicum spray or OC sprays, and training will commence in the Darwin metropolitan area. The trial itself will begin around mid March – that is the middle of this month.
ASRs are presently either in use or under trial in all other police forces across Australia. They are an accepted method of offering members of the police force another less-than lethal option when violence that is directed at police or indeed other citizens from time to time.
Officers undertaking OC spray training are not expected, as a matter of course, to be exposed to a primary contaminant of the spray. The use of ASR falls within a use-of-force regime taught to members of the police force in their operational safety and tactics training. The particular model taught is regarded as best practice in Australia. The ASR is included within the model as ‘other less-than-lethal weapons’.
It is important that we provide an opportunity for police to avail themselves of training for these particular items. In simple terms, olio resin sprays fall into a gap between the use of basic hands-on force and the use of greater force involving batons or firearms. From the point of view of the Northern Territory, thankfully, our police do not have to face on a basis as regular as those police in places like New South Wales and Victoria and the higher populated centres of Australia, high levels of violence. But, nonetheless, on the occasions that police are confronted with someone in violent circumstances who they have to deal with, it is appropriate to use these sprays, and the government supports the Police Commissioner in entering into these trials.
The police do have at hand the most appropriate means by which they can deal with situations that are sometimes very difficult and life threatening. Olio resin sprays will fill that gap and the trials will, as I say, commence within a couple of weeks time. They will be then assessed. The Police Commissioner will determine the application of these sprays in the Northern Territory Police Force.
At 1 00pm today there will be some demonstrations given by police force members at the Berrimah Police Complex. The media has been invited to view those, to talk to police, and they will be advised of the operational and management regimes that will be applied to the use of these particular items. I am sure honourable members will agree with the government that we should provide our police with the level of support and resources that are appropriate, and this will be an advance in that regard.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016