Media Release: New model Tasers introduced to the AFP

Release Date: Tuesday, July 31 2012, 04:00 PM

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) will introduce video camera enabled, X2 Tasers to frontline Sergeants in Australia’s 10 major airports. 

The new Tasers will be introduced progressively over the next 12 months and will be restricted to Sergeants who are supervisors on each shift.

In an effort to ensure that all qualified AFP officers are equipped with the latest and safest Taser technology, the new Taser X2 model will also be supplied to AFP specialist groups, Advanced Warrant Teams and ACT Policing frontline Sergeants.  The new Tasers replace the older X26 model already in use by these teams.

AFP Commissioner Tony Negus said the success of the Taser roll-outs to frontline Sergeants in ACT Policing during 2011 prompted the AFP to consider a Taser capability as part of its use of force options available to AFP officers working in similar community policing environments in Australia’s 10 major airports.

“The new Taser X2 model brings with it a range of additional safety features, including a warning arc capability and a video recording capability that can be activated to record once the Taser has been removed from its holster. These features also assist in ensuring that the weapon is used in accordance with our strict guidelines and an appropriate audit trail exists” Commissioner Negus said.

“The rollout of Tasers to the airport policing environment will take some time due to the additional training that must be completed by each of the frontline Sergeants” Commissioner Negus said.

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