Pressure grows for no new Taser gun upgrade

The Tasmanian Greens today increased the pressure for Tasmania to rule out introducing more powerful taser guns until further research has been conducted into their potential health and injury risks, in light of the death of a civilian in New South Wales.

Greens Police spokesperson Paul O’Halloran MP said it would be irresponsible to canvas the introduction of more powerful tasers for use by Tasmania Police, as is happening interstate, while questions remain over the health risks posed by any form of taster or stun gun.

“There is growing community disquiet about the unforseen health impacts and serious injury risk posed by the tasers already in use by police forces around the nation, including here in Tasmania,” Mr O’Halloran said.

“We need a clear commitment from Police Minister David O’Byrne to rule out the introduction for Tasmania Police of the more powerful, double barrelled ‘X-2’ tasers being brought in elsewhere interstate.”

“There are too many unknowns when it comes to the health risks posed by the current less powerful tasers on people with underlying health conditions, or those who have consumed drugs and alcohol, and it would be irresponsible to bring in even more powerful weapons in an information vacuum.”

“Clearly there must be a balance between meeting the occupational health and safety requirements of our hard-working and professional police force, as well as protecting the civil rights of Tasmanian citizens.”

“That is why the Greens are calling for a dual focus on both increasing the training and skill development in de-escalation to avoid the need for firearm usage, as well as ongoing research into the health impacts and risks of taser and stun guns,” Mr O’Halloran said.

Text of Motion tabled by Paul O’Halloran MP:

That this House:

1. Notes the growing public concern over the potential impacts of tasers, especially the lack of research about taser impact when combined with medical or recreational drug use, and alcohol consumption of the person targeted, as well as underlying health issues;

2. Notes moves interstate to introduce a heavy-duty double-barrel taser, known as the ‘X-2’ taser,

3. Acknowledges the need to balance the occupational health and safety requirements of our police officers, and the health and safety of civilians;

4. Urges an increased focus on the provision of police training in de-escalating confrontations with members of the public;

5. Urges further research and studies into the health impacts of tasers; and

6. Calls on the Minister to rule out the introduction of the ‘X-2’ double-barrelled tasers, or any similar heavy duty model, for use by Tasmania Police.