- Queensland Police to adopt new Taser 10 technology, as part of the Community Safety Plan for Queensland
- Taser 10 more than doubles the functional distance of existing technology
- Police say Taser 10 will save lives, reduce trauma for attending police and reduce trauma for involved persons families
The Miles Government is funding the rollout of world leading taser technology to front line officers in the Queensland Police Service.
It will mean Queensland will become the largest police jurisdiction in the world to be equipped with this technology.
The Miles Government is providing the QPS with funding of $8.5 million over three years to purchase 1,000 Taser 10 devices.
This commitment also ensures that all tasers retired from service moving forward will be replaced with the Taser 10 technology.
The Taser 10 deliver a significant increase (more than double the existing capability) in its functional distance out to a range of 13.5 meters.
The Taser is also far more accurate than existing technologies used by Queensland Police and also does not need to be reloaded to fire multiple shots.
This greatly reduces the need for police to escalate to a lethal use of force option.
In instances where persons of interest are outside the limited range of the current taser fleet, Police will typically and necessarily present firearms to de-escalate or resolve the incident.
The Taser 10 extends the use of taser out to a far greater range, which will lessen the need for presentation, and critically use, of lethal force in a wide number of incident types.
Police advise the Taser 10 will save lives, reduce trauma for attending police and reduce trauma for involved persons families.
Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:
"Our hardworking frontline deserve the best equipment and technology to support their efforts to keep the community safe.
"Police advise that after a comprehensive trial of the Taser 10 technology they have no doubt it will save lives.
"That's why out comprehensive Community Safety Plan invests in delivering for our frontline – more police, more wands and now more tasers.
"This technology gives police an enhanced capacity to de-escalate incidents, ultimately reducing the reliance on deadly force.
"Queensland has a world class police service and my government will always support their efforts to protect the community."
Quotes attributable to Police Minister Mark Ryan:
"I know that police have done a lot of work with the Taser 10 to ensure that it is fit for purpose.
"The fact that this technology can be used from a much greater distance and with greater accuracy will mean better outcomes for police and the community.
"I commend the Queensland Police Service for its commitment to leading the way internationally when it comes to the adoption of the latest technologies."
Quotes attributable to Queensland Police Union President Ian Leavers:
"The QPU will always advocate for technology and equipment upgrades for police and the addition of the Taser 10 is a tool that will significantly enhance use of force options for frontline police and provide greater stand-off distance between police and an offender.
"I have used the Taser 10 in trials and found the laser sight allows for better accuracy plus the option to fire up to 10 darts if the target is missed or does not connect.
"The inbuilt warning strobe light and audio alert leave no doubt that the Taser 10 is ready to be deployed resulting in greater compliance from offenders.
"The smart holster also automatically activates an officer's body worn camera when the Taser 10 is drawn, this enhances officer accountability and will provide significant evidence if required of an offenders behaviour.
"Queensland is the first State in Australia to utilise the Taser 10 and the QPU eagerly awaits every frontline police officer being issued with the upgraded Taser 10 following the initial roll out."
