Media Release

For Immediate Release
Monday 25 June 2007

Taser Critics Should Note Violence Against Police

"Those critics whipping up hysteria against the issue of tasers to police, must take note of the increasing violence being directed against Police," Police Association President Greg O'Connor said today.

"The incident in Bay of Plenty where 14 year old youths fired at pursuing police, is typical of an increased readiness by those we apprehend to "have a go"." Mr O'Connor said, "Those who put the wellbeing of criminal offenders ahead of the welfare of Police Officers, have their priorities completely wrong".

"Recent surveys commissioned by the Police Association show the majority of police still do not wish to be armed, however failure to provide police with a less than lethal capability like the taser, will mean that arming will become an inevitability," said Mr O'Connor.

ENDS

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