The Call for Higher Standards: COLFO's Stance on Police Firearms Training

COLFO's Concerns about Police Firearm Safety

The Council of Licenced Firearms Owners (COLFO) is raising alarms. They want the new Police Commissioner to completely rule out the possibility of frontline police officers carrying guns. This plea comes in light of recent data showing a troubling rise in unintentional firearm discharges by police officers.

Data obtained through the Official Information Act (OIA) shows that between 2019 and 2023, there were 30 accidental firearm discharges. This figure excludes incidents that occurred during police training. Alarmingly, two of these incidents led to non-fatal gunshot wounds, requiring hospitalization for police officers.

"Based on these numbers, general arming of police would be plainly dangerous and irresponsible," said COLFO spokesperson Hugh Devereux-Mack.

A Decade of Discrepancy in Police Training

Over the past decade, police have averaged 5.3 accidental discharges per year. In contrast, licensed firearm owners display far better training. During the same period, they recorded only one unintentional discharge at a firearms range. This represents a rate that is 5.2 times lower than that of the police.

What's more alarming is the disparity in training. Police officers undergo six times less training than required of licensed firearm owners who possess the same types of firearms used by the police, such as pistols. Citizens are legally mandated to practice at a shooting range 12 times per year, while police officers only train with similar firearms twice annually.

Devereux-Mack emphasizes the inadequacy of current police training. "The current firearms training police receive is far below what they require of civilian gun users," he stated. Unlike regular New Zealanders, police officers are not obligated to obtain a firearms license.

The Implications of Inadequate Training

The implications of this training gap are serious. "Earning the privilege to legally point a firearm at a citizen and even shoot them demands training far beyond that of everyday firearm owners," Devereux-Mack added.

In 2022, police pointed firearms at individuals an average of 65 times a month. "Yet they have six times less training than a standard firearms owner," he pointed out. This raises critical questions about accountability and safety.

Risks to Public Safety

"You’d think that this high level of risk would necessitate the maximum training standards in the country. Yet police want licensed firearm owners to attend more range days than they require of themselves," Devereux-Mack argued.

The current situation creates a troubling double standard. Licensed firearm owners are held to much stricter safety standards. However, police officers, who often encounter high-pressure situations while armed, face less rigorous accountability. This disconnect not only endangers officers but also civilians.

Devereux-Mack firmly states, "The Police Commissioner should not even entertain the idea of general arming of officers in this context." The stakes are too high to ignore.

Outlook from Police Leadership

In 2017, Police Association President Chris Cahill indicated that the key to decreasing the number of firearm discharges was more training. Unfortunately, little progress appears to have been made since then. Cahill persistently advocates for general arming of police, despite the data showing the potential risks involved.

Moving Forward: A Call for Action

COLFO is now urging the government and the Police Minister to take action. They advocate for increasing both the frequency and quality of firearms training for police officers. Their aim is to ensure that training standards for police exceed those set for civilian firearm owners.

In conclusion, the debate over police firearm training and safety is crucial. With the rising number of unintentional discharges, it is essential that authorities prioritize effective training and accountability. A comprehensive review and reform of training practices are necessary to safeguard both police officers and the community they serve.

Safety is paramount. The community deserves assurance that those entrusted with firearms are held to the highest standards. A commitment to training could significantly reduce risks and build trust within the community. The question remains: will the government take the necessary steps to make this change?