ANDREW Barr says a re-elected ACT Labor government has committed to provide ACT Police with the funding for the full rollout of tasers across all police personnel if and when they are required.

“Part of being the world’s most liveable city is ensuring that our citizens are safe, and ACT Labor will continue to equip our Police service with the resources they need,” Andrew said.

“It’s important that our Police officers are protected from the threats they face on a daily basis. It was an ACT Labor Government that delivered $3.1 million over four years in the 2016-17 ACT Budget to provide improved security measures for ACT Police, such as personal protective equipment and employing additional Protective Services Officers. This funding commitment further enhances ACT Labor’s efforts to ensure our local Police officers are as safe as possible when they are protecting our community.

“This commitment will ensure that, should ACT Police determine they require the full rollout of tasers to all servicing officers, a re-elected ACT Labor government will deliver $2.7 million over three years for the purchase of the equipment.

“Tasers can result in the successful de-escalation of potentially lethal incidents, such as the recent counter terrorism incident in Minto, NSW on 11 September 2016. The AFP Executive Leadership Committee has endorsed the general operational issue of tasers beyond the rank of Sergeant to all AFP Police Officers following a range of recent events and the increased Terrorism alert level in Australia.

“Funding for the rollout factors in specialist training, governance and reporting arrangements. Further, all Tasers will be fitted with video cameras that bring greater accountability around Taser usage.”