Australian Firearm Laws for Cops

[Topdog]

AUSSIECOP WRITES
All guns must be locked up at the station at the end of duty. Only 15 years ago, we weren't allowed to carry guns at all.

TOPDOG REPLIES
An American military policeman (generally) isn't allowed to carry a firearm when he is off duty. At the end of his patrol shift, he must turn-in his firearm at the station. From your statement above, it sounds the same for Australian officers. What are the laws in Australia for officers carrying their issued pistol (or a personal pistol) when off-duty?

And if officers from other countries are looking at this post, would you please describe the laws in your country for your officers?


[This message has been edited by Topdog (edited 11-22-2000).]

[MacLeod]

The law in the UK is simple. No handguns at all.

Only 10% of a Police force is permitted to become an "authorised firearms officer" all other officers are unarmed.

At the begining of a shift AFO's draw their firearms from the duty Inspector who will read them their standing orders. At the end of the shift the weapons go back and are locked away.

In my force we have no Armed Response Units at all. Authorisation must come from the Deputy Chief before firearms can be issued.

At least we have body armour and i can throw my PR24 really fast.



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Hold Fast

[AussieCop]

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[This message has been edited by AussieCop (edited 01-26-2001).]

[Topdog]

MACLEOD WRITES (paraphrased)
The law in the UK is simple. No handguns at all. Only 10% of a Police force is permitted to become an "authorised firearms officer" all other officers are unarmed. At the end of the shift the weapons go back and are locked away. In my force we have no Armed Response Units at all.

AUSSIE COP WRITES (paraphrased)
Police are issued a Glock Model 22. A police officer will secure his firearm and ammunition in his gun locker in the police amourey. At the conclusion of each shift, that officer will return his pistol in an unloaded condition to the gun locker. Taking the gun home or for use in unauthorised firing practice is prohibited and will result in disciplinary action, and possible dismissal. A police officer is not permitted to carry an additional or privately owned firearm. Off duty, a police officer has the same laws and obligations placed upon him, in relation to firearms, as does the average citizen.

TOPDOG REPLIES
Holy moly! American laws are entirely different from the laws in Australia and the UK! Most American civilian cops are allowed to carry firearms off-duty as well as on-duty, department-issued or personally owned. We must seem like the "Wild West" to the rest of the world!

Any other officers from other countries out there? What are your firearm laws?

[AussieCop]

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[This message has been edited by AussieCop (edited 01-26-2001).]