COLFO Welcomes New Police Association President, Advocates for Realistic Firearms Laws

Strategic Insights -

The Council of Licensed Firearms Owners (COLFO) has welcomed Steve Watt to his new role as president of the New Zealand Police Association, and endorsed his assessment that current firearms laws have not stopped the proliferation of firearms in criminal hands. According to COLFO spokesperson Hugh Devereux-Mack, the Police Association's long-standing position has now been paired with a new acknowledgement that laws previously promoted by the Association have not reduced the risk posed by illegal firearms to police and the public. This shift in stance comes as a significant development, as Mr. Watt has supported equipping frontline police with firearms as standard issue.

Key Takeaways:

  • Steve Watt, the new president of the New Zealand Police Association, has welcomed firearms laws that focus on capturing criminals rather than harassing responsible, licensed firearm owners.
  • COLFO believes that improved Police firearms training is essential, particularly if all Police are armed. Currently, Police receive less annual range time than qualified civilian licence holders.
  • Police officers face greater complexities in real-world scenarios yet receive less training time, which demands rigorous, ongoing training to allow officers to carry and use firearms effectively.
  • COLFO advocates for a police-community collaborative initiative: indoor 50-metre centrefire shooting ranges in every major city for regular police training, to bridge the gaps in Police firearms training and foster trust and cooperation between officers and licensed owners.
  • This initiative could reshape community-police relations damaged under the previous Police Union leadership and enhance safety for all New Zealanders.

Statistics:

  • Police officers currently receive less than 12 hours of annual range time, compared to qualified civilian licence holders who must complete a minimum of 12 club events of supervised practice or competition each year.
  • The proposed indoor 50-metre centrefire shooting ranges could provide regular police training in a secure environment, potentially increasing trust and cooperation between officers and the community.
  • According to COLFO, the failure of current firearms laws has contributed to the proliferation of illegal firearms among criminals.

Sources:

  • New Zealand Herald video interview with Steve Watt
  • Statement by COLFO spokesperson Hugh Devereux-Mack