Motion passed regarding firearms training
Recently the Shortland Prison Officers Vocational Branch (POVB) Subbranch moved the following motion regarding Firearms Training:
The Shortland POVB Sub-Branch resolves that:
1. With immediate effect, officers who have not completed all four mandatory components of the firearms refresher training framework are not to be deployed to medical escorts or to armed posts, including the Gatehouse, until such time as compliance is achieved and verified.
2. Management must, as a matter of urgency, implement appropriate systems, resources and processes to:
• ensure completion of all firearms refresher training components;
• define and limit the circumstances in which operational requirements may delay training delivery; and
• establish a mandatory live fire refresher training recertification period of no greater than two years.
3. The union will support members in the lawful refusal of work where firearm-related duties are allocated in the absence of mandatory training compliance and will refer ongoing non-compliance to relevant regulatory or oversight bodies where necessary.
Assistant Commissioner’s Memorandum (Custodial Corrections No: 2022/14; Security and Intelligence No: 2022/06; Corrections Industry and Capacity No: 2022/05) was issued in relation to the implementation of firearms refresher training. The memorandum prescribes mandatory requirements for custodial officers who undertake duties involving firearms, including medical escorts and the performance of armed posts such as the Gatehouse.
The memorandum requires the completion of four discrete components in order to maintain competency and compliance, being:
1. Firearms Online Refresher Training Module.
2. Firearms Safe Handling Procedures Refresher (dry drills).
3. Range Shoot Refresher Training (live fire); and
4. Interactive Scenario Training.
The PSA and POVB sought legal advice on this matter, which in summary says:
1. Clause 295 of the Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Regulation 2014 (CAS Regulation) does not set out any requirement for officers to undergo refresher training following their initial training in the use of firearms.
2. Every officer undertakes initial training in the use of firearms and scenario training.
3. CSNSW has correctly decided to introduce refresher training for all officers in the use of firearms, safe handling procedures, range shooting and interactive scenario training.
4. This refresher training will be rolled out over time as there are a large number of officers that have to undertake it.
5. In the meantime, officers, according to legal opinion, are “current” as they have completed their initial training, which is all that is required by the CAS Regulation.
6. Should an officer be required to carry a firearm and discharge it, they should do so on the basis of the training they have received as at that date.
The PSA and POVB are continuing to consult with Corrective Services NSW about firearms refresher training and will continue to update you.