Police likely to gain greater ‘shoot-to-kill’ powers

Following the deadly Brighton terror siege earlier this year, Victorian police are likely to get clearer shoot-to-kill powers.

The move is part of sweeping reforms to the way police handle life threatening situations.

Police Minister Lisa Neville told Tom Elliott the new powers are to avoid officers second-guessing themselves.

“What we want to avoid is the officer considering the legalities rather than the risk and danger of the situation,” Ms Neville said.

“This was an issue that was raised in the coroners investigation into the Lindt Café siege, which said that even though there were provisions there was still an element of doubt particularly in the pre-emptive use of lethal force.”

The recommendations sent to the Andrews Government in a review of the Brighton siege response also include strengthening parole laws to stop terror sympathisers being released from jail early.

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