Police gun-training ‘inadequate’

Press, 4 June 1982, Page 8

Police gun-training ‘inadequate’

PA Timaru The shooting of a youth by a constable at Kurow in March illustrates the inadequacy of police firearm training, says the secretary of the Police Association, Dr R. A. Moodie.

Infrequent visits to a firing range did not allow a policeman to achieve the level of familiarity with a firearm essential for safety, he said.

/The District Court at Oamaru heard that the policeman involved had not received any specialist arms training, and had not been given any instruction in arresting armed suspects which was the procedure he had to use at Kurow.

Dr Moodie said that the association had for several years been unhappy with the limited firearm training given. "If a policeman feels the need for some experience with firearms he should be able to get on a range

without difficulty. The limiting factor is the cost of ammunition," Dr Moodie said. , , ‘-It is a situation that should not rest lightly on the consciences of the police and the administration.

“Comparing the amount of training the police get with that of (Army) servicemen is laughable. Yet; it is the policeman who, on a daily basis, carries a firearm in critical situations,” he said.Three years ago, the association had sought firing ranges in the main centres so that a policeman could practice at any time. The request had been rejected because of the cost, and the same situation existed now, said Dr Moodie. . ■

The constable ; had been under stress at the time of the incident at Kurow because of the potential danger to him, said Dr Moodie. "Now that he has had the experience, he should be able to make the same arrest

without endangering anyone,” he said. However, Dr Moodie also issued a warning to the public. ;■ ■’•/:

“People who get involved in crime that involves violence are putting themselves at enormous risk because they create the situation that endangers them," he said.

“It does no good to complain afterwards that the police were the author of their injury or misfortune.” Assistant’ Commissioner G. A. Dallow’, the officer in charge of police training and personnel, said he was un-: able to comment bn any procedural changes that might follow up the Kurow shooting. ; ‘

He said that the police file on the case — which resulted in the constable’s being acquitted on a charge of careless use of a firearm causing injury - had yet to be returned to Wellington.