Sarah Oliver
All Victorian frontline police and Protective Services Officers will be equipped with conducted energy devices (CEDs), commonly known as tasers, with the rollout starting early this year.
The state government will deliver $214 million over five years, and $40.5 million ongoing, to roll out the CEDs to all frontline police officers and PSOs.
The additional non-lethal options are being provided as a way for officers to safely resolve dangerous situations.
CEDs have been in use by specialist police units since 2004 and are also used across regional Victoria, with the rollout of CEDs to 37 regional 24-hour police stations completed in 2018.
Currently, metropolitan frontline police and PSOs have three tactical options available to them as part of standard equipment provided for their duties, including a baton, oleoresin capsicum spray or foam, and a firearm.
Specialist training will be provided to all police officers and PSOs, while police stations will also be fitted out so the equipment can be stored safely and securely.
The broader rollout will begin in early 2022, with the allocation of CEDs to police stations to be determined by Victoria Police based on operational needs.
Police Minister Lisa Neville said the state’s police and PSOs go “above and beyond” to keep Victorians safe.
“The statewide rollout of conducted energy devices means we are ensuring police and PSOs have more non-lethal tools at their disposal to continue their vital work in keeping all Victorians safe,” she said.
