Further enhancements to Police Integrated Tactical Training

NZ Police has made further enhancements to its tactical training that will see more of its officers trained in the use of Taser and firearms, as part of its continuing focus on improving staff and public safety.

In March last year, the organisation announced improvements to the structure and delivery of its Police Integrated Tactical Training (PITT), which covers the training that all constabulary staff receive to be deployable. It comprises training in a full array of tactical skills and techniques, including defensive ("empty hand") tactics, OC spray, baton, handcuffs, Taser and firearms.

The enhanced PITT programme, effective from 1 July, introduces a three-tiered tactical response structure, with staff trained as Level 1, 2 or 3 responders, depending on their roles, responsibilities and level of risk.

Assistant Commissioner Operations, Mike Rusbatch, says Level 1 responders represent those staff who will typically attend higher risk situations that may necessitate access to Taser or firearms, while Level 2 responders will receive Glock pistol training. Level 3 responders will be available to respond to all other incidents that are lower risk and make up the majority of Police interactions.

"All of our staff, regardless of responder level, will receive core tactical training in essential techniques, including defensive tactics, handcuffs, pepper sray and baton, which are effective in resolving the vast majority of incidents we attend.

"Following further consideration and after listening to feedback from our staff, approximately 5,700 of Police's 8,100 district staff will receive training in the M4 rifle, Glock pistol and Taser as Level 1 responders – around 700 more than originally proposed. Meanwhile, approximately 2,100 district staff will be Level 2 responders, receiving training in the Glock pistol, in addition to their exisiting training.

"These additional enhancements are in keeping with our focus in ensuring staff safety on the job and meeting our Prevention First objectives," Mr Rusbatch says.

"For the public there should be no change, but we expect that our service levels will improve further as those staff who most often respond to critical incidents will receive the most appropriate training that better matches their role and responsibilities.”

Mr Rusbatch says the new training structure continues to focus strongly on the successful de-escalation of situations primarily through good communication and sound decision-making skills.

ENDS

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