Police firearms
When can firearms be carried?
A constabulary employee may carry firearms:
• when their perceived cumulative assessment of a situation or the
immediate operating environment is that it is in, or likely to escalate
to be within, the death/grievous bodily harm range as specified by the
Tactical Options Framework in the Use of Force overview
(
An example of the 'immediate operating environment' presenting a
heightened perceived cumulative assessment of death or GBH could
be that a suspect is known to be at large, has not been contained,
and is believed to:
o
be armed (or have access to weapons); and
o
present a risk of death or GBH to members (including Police) of
our communities)
• when on duty as a member of:
o
the Armed Offenders Squad or Special Tactics Group
o
Protection Services as authorised by the supervisor of that
squad
• when performing:
o
airport duties at any airport that is ‘security designated’ under
the Civil Aviation Act 1990
o
the role of escorts and guards for people carrying valuables as
authorised by a District Commander
• to destroy animals in circumstances set out in the Animals chapter
• for training purposes.
From time to time a Police employee at the level of Inspector or above
can authorise
routine carriage of firearms with the following
considerations:
Step Consideration
On the basis of an assessment of a specific risk (verbal instruction)
1
or;
A coordinated pre-planned operation (operation order)
2
Must be for a specific time frame
3
Continuously reviewed to ensure the threat still exists
Communicated to all staff in the operating environment including
4
oncoming shifts
5
Must advise District Commander, DCC, and Comms
6
Must specify roles and conditions of carriage specific to the threat