Public Seminar On The NZ Police’s Use Of Force Options

The Police and Community Tactical Options Reference Group is hosting a public seminar this month to give insight into how the New Zealand Police are developing use of force tactics in situations of violent crimes.

The Police and Community Tactical Options Reference Group is an independent body made up of members from a diverse background including lawyers, community workers and interest groups. The group was set up in 2009 to provide a public forum for debate between police, partners and public interest groups on issues relating to the NZ Police use of force procedures.

“In light of the ongoing debate about the place of firearms in policing in New Zealand, this seminar is a timely opportunity to improve public awareness on the issues facing police when dealing with increasingly violent threats,” says the group’s chair Grant Illingworth QC.

“We hope this seminar will help to debunk some of the myths surrounding the challenges frontline police officers face in their duty to protect both the community and themselves,” adds Illingworth.

WHAT: Public Seminar - How the New Zealand Police are developing Use of Force Tactical Options in a changing NZ environment

WHEN: Wednesday 22 September, 6:00-8:30pm

WHERE: Ellen Melville Hall, Cnr High Street and Freyberg Place, Auckland

WHO:

• Introduction by Grant Illingworth QC and chair of Police Tactical Options Community Reference Group

• Dr John Locker (Manager - Police Tactical Options Research Team), Introduction and background to “Use of Force” in New Zealand

• Superintendent John Rivers (Operational Services - Police National Headquarters), The New Zealand Police’s Operating Environment

• Inspector Jason Ross (Operational Services - Police National Headquarters), Police Use of Force - Myths Vs Realities

• Senior Sergeant Paddy Hannon (Operational Services - Police National Headquarters), Taser Update.

The Reference Group will also present an outline of their discussion paper, “Responding to Social Crisis Incidents – Issues, Implications and Opportunities”, which details best practice recommendations relating to situations involving for example the mentally ill and intoxicated people.

ENDS

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