Western Region police are concentrating their efforts to further target violent offenders who pose a serious risk to the community through the increased use of Firearm Prohibition Orders (FPOs).
FPOs were introduced in Victoria in May 2018 and are designed to support police in targeting and reducing firearms-related crime.
Since then, police have served over 250 FPOs to a range of known violent offenders in Victoria including members of outlaw motorcycle gangs, Middle Eastern crime groups and other criminal groups.
Already 13 FPOs have been served in Western Region where the applications had been prepared, assessed and approved by regional police.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Deb Robertson said this represented a significant step forward for Western Region in its capacity to target the use of illicit firearms in local communities.
"I was based at Crime Command when the FPOs were introduced, so I saw first-hand the impact they had on criminals and their ability to access, store and carry illicit firearms," she said.
"I got to hear about some of the frustration that was being expressed by criminals who were now feeling the pressure of a significant increase in penalties for carrying and storing illicit firearms.
"I also saw some of the items that were being seized during FPO searches - not just firearms and ammunition, but also drugs, cash and stolen property.
"Coming to Western Region, I could immediately see what the benefits would be locally, and we were very keen to be one of the first areas within Victoria Police to be involved in the expansion of the scheme"
The expansion of the scheme in Western Region will start in the Geelong Division, with further training of delegates and applicants to follow, enabling increased state-wide police use.
An FPO prevents a person from acquiring, possessing or using a firearm or firearm related items, as well as entering certain premises such as firearms dealerships and shooting ranges.
Once an FPO is served on a person, they are searched and a further search is conducted of their premises and vehicle.
As the order is linked directly to the person, not a specific location, police can search any property where the individual is located. Police can also search a person who is in the company of the individual if they reasonably suspect that the person is committing or about to commit an offence against the Firearms Act 1996 and has a firearm or firearm-related item in their possession.
Once served, the FPO remains in effect for 10 years for adults (18 years and over) and five years for children (14-17 years of age).
An FPO can only be issued if it is in the public interest because of one or more of the following grounds:
- the criminal history of the individual; or
- the behaviour of the individual; or
- the people with whom the individual associates; or
- on the basis of information known to the Chief Commissioner that indicates the individual may pose a threat or risk to public safety.
The orders are not only issued in relation to those people with a history of firearms offences, but those we know have a history of violence and present a risk to the community if they access firearms.
As an example, Geelong Crime Investigation Unit recently ran an investigation into firearms possession which led to a warrant being conducted at an address in Batesford on 13 February, where police seized a number of firearms and ammunition.
A 45-year-old man was arrested and charged with a range of firearms offences, and as a result police have now served him with an FPO.
Any police officer in Victoria can conduct a search of a person subject to an FPO.
A/AC Robertson said police are aware of the significant concern that firearms-related crime caused, especially in regional and rural communities.
"We are absolutely committed to investigating all incidents where illicit firearms are used and we make no apology for targeting those people who choose to possess or use them," she said.
"An enormous amount of work is already being done in Western Region in relation to illicit firearms, so this expansion will complement that.
"We've always said FPOs alone won't solve issues around firearms-related violence however the past two years has shown they are an important tool for us to have and complement existing investigative methods.
"I'm really pleased to see the increased use of FPOs in Western Region."
Anyone with information regarding illicit firearms or related crime is urged to contact Crime Stoppers, which can be done anonymously, on 1800 333 000 or by logging on to www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
