Victorian frontline police and Protective Services Officers (PSOs) will soon be equipped with new conducted energy devices (CEDs), giving them another non-lethal option when responding to violent offenders.
Following the signing of a major supply contract, Victoria Police has entered into an agreement with US-based supplier Axon to supply the Taser 7 model, which offers improved technology, accuracy and safety.
The rollout is expected to begin in November with the Special Operations Group, Critical Incident Response Team and police at 36 regional stations to be the first to receive the new CEDs – replacing existing units issued up to five years ago.
The new CEDs – often referred to as tasers – will be provided to all frontline police and protective services officers over the next three years. The rollout to remaining police and all PSOs will begin in April next year and run through until September 2026.
To ensure appropriate accountability measures are in place, an officer’s body-worn camera will automatically activate to record what has happened when a CED is used.
Specialist training will be provided to all police officers and PSOs on how to use the CEDs, and police stations will also be fitted out so the equipment can be stored safely and securely.
Police Minister Anthony Carbines said the state-wide rollout of CEDs will enable police and PSOs to have more options at their disposal.
“Victoria’s dedicated police officers and PSOs deal with volatile situations and dangerous individuals. It’s critical they have the appropriate resources to keep the community – and themselves – safe,” he said.
