Tasers go state-wide

Editorial and photography: Jesse Wray-McCann

Police are now able to keep the public, themselves and even the people they’re arresting safer thanks to the rollout of Tasers to all officers across the state.

For the first time, frontline police in metropolitan Melbourne and protective services officers (PSOs) will be equipped with Tasers, joining regional general duties police, who have carried the conducted energy devices for more than a decade.

The $214 million rollout began late last year, with officers at Dandenong and Springvale police stations the first in Melbourne to be given the devices and put through rigorous training for their use.

The entire Taser rollout to 10,300 frontline police and PSOs across the state is due to be completed by September 2026.

Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said the devices had already proven invaluable within just weeks of being issued to police at Dandenong and Springvale.

Police responded to an incident in December where a man suffering a mental health episode was found in the back room of a Springvale house brandishing a knife.

The man was sprayed with OC spray with little to no effect. He dropped the knife, but then punched a police officer in the face as he resisted arrest.

A Taser was discharged, allowing the members to regain control and take the man into care without injury.

CCP Patton said Tasers provided crucial middle ground for police and PSOs when dealing with high-risk, volatile situations.

“On most occasions merely drawing a Taser is enough to safely resolve an incident,” CCP Patton said.

“In many ways they are a negotiation tool. They’re about less force, not more.”

The rollout project also includes replacing existing Tasers issued to the Special Operations Group and Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT), as well as general duties police at 36 regional stations.

Acting Sergeant Tim Verrenkamp is very familiar with Tasers having used them extensively during his 15 years with CIRT.

Now working general duties at Bacchus Marsh Police Station, A/Sgt Verrenkamp is pleased to see the improved technology, accuracy and safety the latest device models offer.

“The new Tasers have a greater range and are generally stronger, so they can be much more effective when you come up against someone wearing heavy clothing,” A/Sgt Verrenkamp said.

“Previously, when we were responding to volatile situations, we had our baton, OC spray and firearm, and there was a big jump in the effects of a baton or spray and a firearm.

“So the Taser is an ideal option that gives us the window of opportunity to effect a safe arrest without any injuries to anyone, which is always our aim.”

For the latest police news, visit the Victoria Police website.