Shoot to kill: Victoria Police to be re-trained on terror threat responses

Victorian police are set to be re-trained in how to deal with terror threats, including orders to immediately use deadly force.

From January 1 first police responders in a terror scenario will be required to act immediately and shoot suspects without having to wait for support, The Age reports.

There are 16,000 police and  Protective Service officers  in Victoria, whose main priority when there is a terror threat will be to minimise the number of casualties rather than seeking a peaceful resolution.

The decision comes after a three-year review of how terror attacks are handled internationally, as well as how Victorian police have responded to similar events – such as the Bourke Street Mall attack.

The review concluded that police training for terror threats in Victoria is not adequate.

The new plans, which includes training for faster decision making, were announced to officers yesterday.

Fifteen senior officers have already been trained as siege commanders and are now authorised to order police snipers to shoot to kill.