i don.t know about youz lot but i.m.....

really scared now.
What next? Kalashnikovs?
(today's Herld)

Victoria Police to arm officers with semi-automatic weapons

Rachel Hewitt
June 06, 2008 10:48am

STATE police officers will carry semi-automatic weapons within six months, Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon confirmed today.

The announcement follows an investigation by an independent panel into the use and viability of the guns.

Ms Nixon told a morning press conference she didn't think it would be "that long really" until police were equipped with the weapons.

"I'd certainly like to see it within the next five to six months, I would think (it) would be easily within that range," she said.

"What Victoria Police now will do is develop a business case that will look at the cost involved, will look at how much training is required and then make the option to move forward and to move into distribution of the semi-automatics."

Ms Nixon, who has been vocal in her concerns about semi-automatic weapons, denied the decision was a backdown.

She said her concerns had been addressed through the investigation.

"For me, I'm able to be pursuaded, and often if I believe that the evidence is strong, then I'm happy to change my mind and that's what I've done."

"It's an issue I think that I've been very open about, my concerns for some time about the firearms. I was in New South Wales when their semi-automatic was introduced in 1996, and I saw a number of members of the NSW police injured during that time, so that's been part of it.

"The number one concern I had regarding the implementation of semi-automatic weapons is the safety of Victoria Police officers and the community.

"We've taken into account clearly the safety of the community and safety of our members, and they're the two key issues that have underpinned this decision."

When asked whether the move was a win for Police Association secretary Paul Mullett, Ms Nixon said: "I don't think it's a big win for anybody really. It's about a sensible decision, about moving forward."

An estimated 6500 semi-automatic firearms will be needed to supply Victoria Police.

The use of Taser devices has been ruled out at this stage because of safety concerns.

Ms Nixon expected there to be mixed responses among Victoria's police officers.

She said some members were comfortable with the current .38 Smith and Wesson guns, and others were keen to see the change.

She would not speculate how much the weapons were expected to cost, because price negotiations were pending.

"The thing about a bargain is you don't really want to show your hand."