Is the command to carry firearms leading to increased shootings in Queensland?
Terry Goldsworthy discusses the recent fatal shootings by Queensland police officers, nothing that 'Recently, Queensland police commissioner Ian Stewart ordered all police to carry their firearms due to a perceived increased national security threat in the community. This messaging may well be reinforcing the idea that the firearm is the main use of force option.'
'The UK primarily operates on the model of general duties police not being armed. They rely instead on backup from armed response teams if the need for lethal force arises. Authorisation to use lethal force is vested in senior officers. The benefits of this system are clear. Between 2008 and 2012, England and Wales combined had just nine fatal police shootings, despite having a combined population more than double that of Australia.'