USE OF POLICE GUNS QUESTIONED

Desmond Blurton addressing the Perth rally on the National Day of Action last Saturday.

On Saturday, Police were criticised for carrying guns while monitoring the Perth rally on a National Day of Action.

It was one of several rallies held in Perth, Canberra, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney to support Walpiri people grieving for Kumanjayi Walker.

Deaths in Custody Watch Committee representative Desmond Blurton said he saw five or six armed officers and 40 or 50 protestors.

He questioned the need for police to carry guns.

“Along with the people of Yuendemu we’re calling for the police in WA to disarm, and in particular, no guns in communities,” he said.

Mr Blurton called for Aboriginal Police Liason Officers, more cultural awareness training for police and more investment in crime prevention programs.

“Yes they do a job, but they don’t need to hold guns,” he said. “They don’t need to hold guns in communities. They don’t need to do that. They’ve got other means, they’ve got Tasers, they’ve got other means of apprehending people in a non-lethal way.”

A WA Police spokesman made it clear they have no personal choice in the matter.

“Operational police officers have standard accoutrements, which includes a firearm and other use-of-force options, regardless of where they are operationally deployed across Western Australia,” he said.

“These accoutrements are integral to ensuring the safety of the community and the officers themselves.

“The WA Police Force reviews all of the agencies’ policies and procedures on a regular basis.”