❓ The Minister for Police clarifies his support for the use of Tasers by police officers, arguing they are a safer alternative to firearms, capsicum spray, and batons. He addresses concerns about increased Taser usage due to wider rollout and claims complaints are minimal.
AnsweredQoN 102Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
TASERS — USE BY POLICE OFFICERS
In light of recent media reports and the opposition attack on police officers for using Tasers as an alternative use of force by trained, front-line police officers, can the minister clarify his position on this matter? Mr R.F. JOHNSON
In light of recent media reports and the opposition attack on police officers for using Tasers as an alternative use of force by trained, front-line police officers, can the minister clarify his position on this matter? Mr R.F. JOHNSON
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for the question. Like many people, I am confused by the stand of the shadow Minister for Police on the issue of Tasers. Once again, Tasers were introduced under her government. Radio presenter Simon Beaumont was confused about the member’s position the other day: he was not sure whether she supported the use of Tasers or was attacking their use. The question I have been asked is: what is my stand on the use of Tasers? Mr J.N. Hyde : Tell us. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will tell the member for Perth. I support the use of Tasers by our police, and I will tell members why. Mr J.N. Hyde interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Perth! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Whenever they need to. Mr J.N. Hyde : Smoking cigarettes in cars? Taser—bang! The SPEAKER : Order, member for Perth! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am doing what the former Premier used to do: waiting until opposition members simmer down before carrying on with the answer. That was a very good tactic of the former Premier. It works well. My stand on this issue is that I would sooner, any day, that police officers used Tasers than their firearms. Tasers are safer and have less of an ill effect on people than capsicum spray or batons. The member for Girrawheen said in a press release and when speaking on Simon Beaumont’s radio program that there has been a huge escalation in the number of times that Tasers have been used. Ms M.M. Quirk : They were rolled out last year. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is stunning! The member knows the answer now! Ms M.M. Quirk : I knew the answer then. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is a pity that she did not know the answer then. What does she expect? There has been an enormous rollout of Tasers over the past two years. Consequently, more officers will use them rather than use capsicum spray, draw their handguns or use their batons. Tasers have worked very well with virtually no ill effect. The shadow minister knows a few answers now because she has done a bit of homework since she was embarrassed by Simon Beaumont. All our officers have to go through training to be able to use the Taser guns. Mr E.S. Ripper : How many complaints are you dealing with about the use of Tasers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hardly any now. We had a few to start with but now there are hardly any, because I think people realise that they would sooner be tasered than be sprayed in the eyes with capsicum spray. Mr M. McGowan : I would sooner be tasered than listen to another answer from you! Please, put me out of my misery. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Most people who cause problems and act violently miraculously quieten down when police officers draw their Tasers. If that stops people from behaving violently — Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I thank the member for the question. Like many people, I am confused by the stand of the shadow Minister for Police on the issue of Tasers. Once again, Tasers were introduced under her government. Radio presenter Simon Beaumont was confused about the member’s position the other day: he was not sure whether she supported the use of Tasers or was attacking their use. The question I have been asked is: what is my stand on the use of Tasers? Mr J.N. Hyde : Tell us. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will tell the member for Perth. I support the use of Tasers by our police, and I will tell members why. Mr J.N. Hyde interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Perth! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Whenever they need to. Mr J.N. Hyde : Smoking cigarettes in cars? Taser—bang! The SPEAKER : Order, member for Perth! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am doing what the former Premier used to do: waiting until opposition members simmer down before carrying on with the answer. That was a very good tactic of the former Premier. It works well. My stand on this issue is that I would sooner, any day, that police officers used Tasers than their firearms. Tasers are safer and have less of an ill effect on people than capsicum spray or batons. The member for Girrawheen said in a press release and when speaking on Simon Beaumont’s radio program that there has been a huge escalation in the number of times that Tasers have been used. Ms M.M. Quirk : They were rolled out last year. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is stunning! The member knows the answer now! Ms M.M. Quirk : I knew the answer then. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is a pity that she did not know the answer then. What does she expect? There has been an enormous rollout of Tasers over the past two years. Consequently, more officers will use them rather than use capsicum spray, draw their handguns or use their batons. Tasers have worked very well with virtually no ill effect. The shadow minister knows a few answers now because she has done a bit of homework since she was embarrassed by Simon Beaumont. All our officers have to go through training to be able to use the Taser guns. Mr E.S. Ripper : How many complaints are you dealing with about the use of Tasers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hardly any now. We had a few to start with but now there are hardly any, because I think people realise that they would sooner be tasered than be sprayed in the eyes with capsicum spray. Mr M. McGowan : I would sooner be tasered than listen to another answer from you! Please, put me out of my misery. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Most people who cause problems and act violently miraculously quieten down when police officers draw their Tasers. If that stops people from behaving violently — Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
I thank the member for the question. Like many people, I am confused by the stand of the shadow Minister for Police on the issue of Tasers. Once again, Tasers were introduced under her government. Radio presenter Simon Beaumont was confused about the member’s position the other day: he was not sure whether she supported the use of Tasers or was attacking their use. The question I have been asked is: what is my stand on the use of Tasers? Mr J.N. Hyde : Tell us. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will tell the member for Perth. I support the use of Tasers by our police, and I will tell members why. Mr J.N. Hyde interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Perth! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Whenever they need to. Mr J.N. Hyde : Smoking cigarettes in cars? Taser—bang! The SPEAKER : Order, member for Perth! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am doing what the former Premier used to do: waiting until opposition members simmer down before carrying on with the answer. That was a very good tactic of the former Premier. It works well. My stand on this issue is that I would sooner, any day, that police officers used Tasers than their firearms. Tasers are safer and have less of an ill effect on people than capsicum spray or batons. The member for Girrawheen said in a press release and when speaking on Simon Beaumont’s radio program that there has been a huge escalation in the number of times that Tasers have been used. Ms M.M. Quirk : They were rolled out last year. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is stunning! The member knows the answer now! Ms M.M. Quirk : I knew the answer then. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is a pity that she did not know the answer then. What does she expect? There has been an enormous rollout of Tasers over the past two years. Consequently, more officers will use them rather than use capsicum spray, draw their handguns or use their batons. Tasers have worked very well with virtually no ill effect. The shadow minister knows a few answers now because she has done a bit of homework since she was embarrassed by Simon Beaumont. All our officers have to go through training to be able to use the Taser guns. Mr E.S. Ripper : How many complaints are you dealing with about the use of Tasers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hardly any now. We had a few to start with but now there are hardly any, because I think people realise that they would sooner be tasered than be sprayed in the eyes with capsicum spray. Mr M. McGowan : I would sooner be tasered than listen to another answer from you! Please, put me out of my misery. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Most people who cause problems and act violently miraculously quieten down when police officers draw their Tasers. If that stops people from behaving violently — Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
Mr J.N. Hyde : Tell us. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will tell the member for Perth. I support the use of Tasers by our police, and I will tell members why. Mr J.N. Hyde interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Perth! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Whenever they need to. Mr J.N. Hyde : Smoking cigarettes in cars? Taser—bang! The SPEAKER : Order, member for Perth! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am doing what the former Premier used to do: waiting until opposition members simmer down before carrying on with the answer. That was a very good tactic of the former Premier. It works well. My stand on this issue is that I would sooner, any day, that police officers used Tasers than their firearms. Tasers are safer and have less of an ill effect on people than capsicum spray or batons. The member for Girrawheen said in a press release and when speaking on Simon Beaumont’s radio program that there has been a huge escalation in the number of times that Tasers have been used. Ms M.M. Quirk : They were rolled out last year. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is stunning! The member knows the answer now! Ms M.M. Quirk : I knew the answer then. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is a pity that she did not know the answer then. What does she expect? There has been an enormous rollout of Tasers over the past two years. Consequently, more officers will use them rather than use capsicum spray, draw their handguns or use their batons. Tasers have worked very well with virtually no ill effect. The shadow minister knows a few answers now because she has done a bit of homework since she was embarrassed by Simon Beaumont. All our officers have to go through training to be able to use the Taser guns. Mr E.S. Ripper : How many complaints are you dealing with about the use of Tasers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hardly any now. We had a few to start with but now there are hardly any, because I think people realise that they would sooner be tasered than be sprayed in the eyes with capsicum spray. Mr M. McGowan : I would sooner be tasered than listen to another answer from you! Please, put me out of my misery. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Most people who cause problems and act violently miraculously quieten down when police officers draw their Tasers. If that stops people from behaving violently — Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will tell the member for Perth. I support the use of Tasers by our police, and I will tell members why. Mr J.N. Hyde interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Perth! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Whenever they need to. Mr J.N. Hyde : Smoking cigarettes in cars? Taser—bang! The SPEAKER : Order, member for Perth! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am doing what the former Premier used to do: waiting until opposition members simmer down before carrying on with the answer. That was a very good tactic of the former Premier. It works well. My stand on this issue is that I would sooner, any day, that police officers used Tasers than their firearms. Tasers are safer and have less of an ill effect on people than capsicum spray or batons. The member for Girrawheen said in a press release and when speaking on Simon Beaumont’s radio program that there has been a huge escalation in the number of times that Tasers have been used. Ms M.M. Quirk : They were rolled out last year. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is stunning! The member knows the answer now! Ms M.M. Quirk : I knew the answer then. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is a pity that she did not know the answer then. What does she expect? There has been an enormous rollout of Tasers over the past two years. Consequently, more officers will use them rather than use capsicum spray, draw their handguns or use their batons. Tasers have worked very well with virtually no ill effect. The shadow minister knows a few answers now because she has done a bit of homework since she was embarrassed by Simon Beaumont. All our officers have to go through training to be able to use the Taser guns. Mr E.S. Ripper : How many complaints are you dealing with about the use of Tasers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hardly any now. We had a few to start with but now there are hardly any, because I think people realise that they would sooner be tasered than be sprayed in the eyes with capsicum spray. Mr M. McGowan : I would sooner be tasered than listen to another answer from you! Please, put me out of my misery. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Most people who cause problems and act violently miraculously quieten down when police officers draw their Tasers. If that stops people from behaving violently — Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
Mr J.N. Hyde interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Perth! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Whenever they need to. Mr J.N. Hyde : Smoking cigarettes in cars? Taser—bang! The SPEAKER : Order, member for Perth! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am doing what the former Premier used to do: waiting until opposition members simmer down before carrying on with the answer. That was a very good tactic of the former Premier. It works well. My stand on this issue is that I would sooner, any day, that police officers used Tasers than their firearms. Tasers are safer and have less of an ill effect on people than capsicum spray or batons. The member for Girrawheen said in a press release and when speaking on Simon Beaumont’s radio program that there has been a huge escalation in the number of times that Tasers have been used. Ms M.M. Quirk : They were rolled out last year. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is stunning! The member knows the answer now! Ms M.M. Quirk : I knew the answer then. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is a pity that she did not know the answer then. What does she expect? There has been an enormous rollout of Tasers over the past two years. Consequently, more officers will use them rather than use capsicum spray, draw their handguns or use their batons. Tasers have worked very well with virtually no ill effect. The shadow minister knows a few answers now because she has done a bit of homework since she was embarrassed by Simon Beaumont. All our officers have to go through training to be able to use the Taser guns. Mr E.S. Ripper : How many complaints are you dealing with about the use of Tasers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hardly any now. We had a few to start with but now there are hardly any, because I think people realise that they would sooner be tasered than be sprayed in the eyes with capsicum spray. Mr M. McGowan : I would sooner be tasered than listen to another answer from you! Please, put me out of my misery. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Most people who cause problems and act violently miraculously quieten down when police officers draw their Tasers. If that stops people from behaving violently — Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
The SPEAKER : Order, member for Perth! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Whenever they need to. Mr J.N. Hyde : Smoking cigarettes in cars? Taser—bang! The SPEAKER : Order, member for Perth! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am doing what the former Premier used to do: waiting until opposition members simmer down before carrying on with the answer. That was a very good tactic of the former Premier. It works well. My stand on this issue is that I would sooner, any day, that police officers used Tasers than their firearms. Tasers are safer and have less of an ill effect on people than capsicum spray or batons. The member for Girrawheen said in a press release and when speaking on Simon Beaumont’s radio program that there has been a huge escalation in the number of times that Tasers have been used. Ms M.M. Quirk : They were rolled out last year. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is stunning! The member knows the answer now! Ms M.M. Quirk : I knew the answer then. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is a pity that she did not know the answer then. What does she expect? There has been an enormous rollout of Tasers over the past two years. Consequently, more officers will use them rather than use capsicum spray, draw their handguns or use their batons. Tasers have worked very well with virtually no ill effect. The shadow minister knows a few answers now because she has done a bit of homework since she was embarrassed by Simon Beaumont. All our officers have to go through training to be able to use the Taser guns. Mr E.S. Ripper : How many complaints are you dealing with about the use of Tasers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hardly any now. We had a few to start with but now there are hardly any, because I think people realise that they would sooner be tasered than be sprayed in the eyes with capsicum spray. Mr M. McGowan : I would sooner be tasered than listen to another answer from you! Please, put me out of my misery. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Most people who cause problems and act violently miraculously quieten down when police officers draw their Tasers. If that stops people from behaving violently — Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Whenever they need to. Mr J.N. Hyde : Smoking cigarettes in cars? Taser—bang! The SPEAKER : Order, member for Perth! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am doing what the former Premier used to do: waiting until opposition members simmer down before carrying on with the answer. That was a very good tactic of the former Premier. It works well. My stand on this issue is that I would sooner, any day, that police officers used Tasers than their firearms. Tasers are safer and have less of an ill effect on people than capsicum spray or batons. The member for Girrawheen said in a press release and when speaking on Simon Beaumont’s radio program that there has been a huge escalation in the number of times that Tasers have been used. Ms M.M. Quirk : They were rolled out last year. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is stunning! The member knows the answer now! Ms M.M. Quirk : I knew the answer then. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is a pity that she did not know the answer then. What does she expect? There has been an enormous rollout of Tasers over the past two years. Consequently, more officers will use them rather than use capsicum spray, draw their handguns or use their batons. Tasers have worked very well with virtually no ill effect. The shadow minister knows a few answers now because she has done a bit of homework since she was embarrassed by Simon Beaumont. All our officers have to go through training to be able to use the Taser guns. Mr E.S. Ripper : How many complaints are you dealing with about the use of Tasers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hardly any now. We had a few to start with but now there are hardly any, because I think people realise that they would sooner be tasered than be sprayed in the eyes with capsicum spray. Mr M. McGowan : I would sooner be tasered than listen to another answer from you! Please, put me out of my misery. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Most people who cause problems and act violently miraculously quieten down when police officers draw their Tasers. If that stops people from behaving violently — Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
Mr J.N. Hyde : Smoking cigarettes in cars? Taser—bang! The SPEAKER : Order, member for Perth! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am doing what the former Premier used to do: waiting until opposition members simmer down before carrying on with the answer. That was a very good tactic of the former Premier. It works well. My stand on this issue is that I would sooner, any day, that police officers used Tasers than their firearms. Tasers are safer and have less of an ill effect on people than capsicum spray or batons. The member for Girrawheen said in a press release and when speaking on Simon Beaumont’s radio program that there has been a huge escalation in the number of times that Tasers have been used. Ms M.M. Quirk : They were rolled out last year. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is stunning! The member knows the answer now! Ms M.M. Quirk : I knew the answer then. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is a pity that she did not know the answer then. What does she expect? There has been an enormous rollout of Tasers over the past two years. Consequently, more officers will use them rather than use capsicum spray, draw their handguns or use their batons. Tasers have worked very well with virtually no ill effect. The shadow minister knows a few answers now because she has done a bit of homework since she was embarrassed by Simon Beaumont. All our officers have to go through training to be able to use the Taser guns. Mr E.S. Ripper : How many complaints are you dealing with about the use of Tasers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hardly any now. We had a few to start with but now there are hardly any, because I think people realise that they would sooner be tasered than be sprayed in the eyes with capsicum spray. Mr M. McGowan : I would sooner be tasered than listen to another answer from you! Please, put me out of my misery. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Most people who cause problems and act violently miraculously quieten down when police officers draw their Tasers. If that stops people from behaving violently — Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
The SPEAKER : Order, member for Perth! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am doing what the former Premier used to do: waiting until opposition members simmer down before carrying on with the answer. That was a very good tactic of the former Premier. It works well. My stand on this issue is that I would sooner, any day, that police officers used Tasers than their firearms. Tasers are safer and have less of an ill effect on people than capsicum spray or batons. The member for Girrawheen said in a press release and when speaking on Simon Beaumont’s radio program that there has been a huge escalation in the number of times that Tasers have been used. Ms M.M. Quirk : They were rolled out last year. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is stunning! The member knows the answer now! Ms M.M. Quirk : I knew the answer then. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is a pity that she did not know the answer then. What does she expect? There has been an enormous rollout of Tasers over the past two years. Consequently, more officers will use them rather than use capsicum spray, draw their handguns or use their batons. Tasers have worked very well with virtually no ill effect. The shadow minister knows a few answers now because she has done a bit of homework since she was embarrassed by Simon Beaumont. All our officers have to go through training to be able to use the Taser guns. Mr E.S. Ripper : How many complaints are you dealing with about the use of Tasers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hardly any now. We had a few to start with but now there are hardly any, because I think people realise that they would sooner be tasered than be sprayed in the eyes with capsicum spray. Mr M. McGowan : I would sooner be tasered than listen to another answer from you! Please, put me out of my misery. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Most people who cause problems and act violently miraculously quieten down when police officers draw their Tasers. If that stops people from behaving violently — Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am doing what the former Premier used to do: waiting until opposition members simmer down before carrying on with the answer. That was a very good tactic of the former Premier. It works well. My stand on this issue is that I would sooner, any day, that police officers used Tasers than their firearms. Tasers are safer and have less of an ill effect on people than capsicum spray or batons. The member for Girrawheen said in a press release and when speaking on Simon Beaumont’s radio program that there has been a huge escalation in the number of times that Tasers have been used. Ms M.M. Quirk : They were rolled out last year. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is stunning! The member knows the answer now! Ms M.M. Quirk : I knew the answer then. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is a pity that she did not know the answer then. What does she expect? There has been an enormous rollout of Tasers over the past two years. Consequently, more officers will use them rather than use capsicum spray, draw their handguns or use their batons. Tasers have worked very well with virtually no ill effect. The shadow minister knows a few answers now because she has done a bit of homework since she was embarrassed by Simon Beaumont. All our officers have to go through training to be able to use the Taser guns. Mr E.S. Ripper : How many complaints are you dealing with about the use of Tasers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hardly any now. We had a few to start with but now there are hardly any, because I think people realise that they would sooner be tasered than be sprayed in the eyes with capsicum spray. Mr M. McGowan : I would sooner be tasered than listen to another answer from you! Please, put me out of my misery. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Most people who cause problems and act violently miraculously quieten down when police officers draw their Tasers. If that stops people from behaving violently — Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am doing what the former Premier used to do: waiting until opposition members simmer down before carrying on with the answer. That was a very good tactic of the former Premier. It works well. My stand on this issue is that I would sooner, any day, that police officers used Tasers than their firearms. Tasers are safer and have less of an ill effect on people than capsicum spray or batons. The member for Girrawheen said in a press release and when speaking on Simon Beaumont’s radio program that there has been a huge escalation in the number of times that Tasers have been used. Ms M.M. Quirk : They were rolled out last year. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is stunning! The member knows the answer now! Ms M.M. Quirk : I knew the answer then. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is a pity that she did not know the answer then. What does she expect? There has been an enormous rollout of Tasers over the past two years. Consequently, more officers will use them rather than use capsicum spray, draw their handguns or use their batons. Tasers have worked very well with virtually no ill effect. The shadow minister knows a few answers now because she has done a bit of homework since she was embarrassed by Simon Beaumont. All our officers have to go through training to be able to use the Taser guns. Mr E.S. Ripper : How many complaints are you dealing with about the use of Tasers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hardly any now. We had a few to start with but now there are hardly any, because I think people realise that they would sooner be tasered than be sprayed in the eyes with capsicum spray. Mr M. McGowan : I would sooner be tasered than listen to another answer from you! Please, put me out of my misery. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Most people who cause problems and act violently miraculously quieten down when police officers draw their Tasers. If that stops people from behaving violently — Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
My stand on this issue is that I would sooner, any day, that police officers used Tasers than their firearms. Tasers are safer and have less of an ill effect on people than capsicum spray or batons. The member for Girrawheen said in a press release and when speaking on Simon Beaumont’s radio program that there has been a huge escalation in the number of times that Tasers have been used. Ms M.M. Quirk : They were rolled out last year. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is stunning! The member knows the answer now! Ms M.M. Quirk : I knew the answer then. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is a pity that she did not know the answer then. What does she expect? There has been an enormous rollout of Tasers over the past two years. Consequently, more officers will use them rather than use capsicum spray, draw their handguns or use their batons. Tasers have worked very well with virtually no ill effect. The shadow minister knows a few answers now because she has done a bit of homework since she was embarrassed by Simon Beaumont. All our officers have to go through training to be able to use the Taser guns. Mr E.S. Ripper : How many complaints are you dealing with about the use of Tasers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hardly any now. We had a few to start with but now there are hardly any, because I think people realise that they would sooner be tasered than be sprayed in the eyes with capsicum spray. Mr M. McGowan : I would sooner be tasered than listen to another answer from you! Please, put me out of my misery. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Most people who cause problems and act violently miraculously quieten down when police officers draw their Tasers. If that stops people from behaving violently — Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
Ms M.M. Quirk : They were rolled out last year. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is stunning! The member knows the answer now! Ms M.M. Quirk : I knew the answer then. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is a pity that she did not know the answer then. What does she expect? There has been an enormous rollout of Tasers over the past two years. Consequently, more officers will use them rather than use capsicum spray, draw their handguns or use their batons. Tasers have worked very well with virtually no ill effect. The shadow minister knows a few answers now because she has done a bit of homework since she was embarrassed by Simon Beaumont. All our officers have to go through training to be able to use the Taser guns. Mr E.S. Ripper : How many complaints are you dealing with about the use of Tasers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hardly any now. We had a few to start with but now there are hardly any, because I think people realise that they would sooner be tasered than be sprayed in the eyes with capsicum spray. Mr M. McGowan : I would sooner be tasered than listen to another answer from you! Please, put me out of my misery. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Most people who cause problems and act violently miraculously quieten down when police officers draw their Tasers. If that stops people from behaving violently — Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is stunning! The member knows the answer now! Ms M.M. Quirk : I knew the answer then. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is a pity that she did not know the answer then. What does she expect? There has been an enormous rollout of Tasers over the past two years. Consequently, more officers will use them rather than use capsicum spray, draw their handguns or use their batons. Tasers have worked very well with virtually no ill effect. The shadow minister knows a few answers now because she has done a bit of homework since she was embarrassed by Simon Beaumont. All our officers have to go through training to be able to use the Taser guns. Mr E.S. Ripper : How many complaints are you dealing with about the use of Tasers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hardly any now. We had a few to start with but now there are hardly any, because I think people realise that they would sooner be tasered than be sprayed in the eyes with capsicum spray. Mr M. McGowan : I would sooner be tasered than listen to another answer from you! Please, put me out of my misery. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Most people who cause problems and act violently miraculously quieten down when police officers draw their Tasers. If that stops people from behaving violently — Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
Ms M.M. Quirk : I knew the answer then. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is a pity that she did not know the answer then. What does she expect? There has been an enormous rollout of Tasers over the past two years. Consequently, more officers will use them rather than use capsicum spray, draw their handguns or use their batons. Tasers have worked very well with virtually no ill effect. The shadow minister knows a few answers now because she has done a bit of homework since she was embarrassed by Simon Beaumont. All our officers have to go through training to be able to use the Taser guns. Mr E.S. Ripper : How many complaints are you dealing with about the use of Tasers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hardly any now. We had a few to start with but now there are hardly any, because I think people realise that they would sooner be tasered than be sprayed in the eyes with capsicum spray. Mr M. McGowan : I would sooner be tasered than listen to another answer from you! Please, put me out of my misery. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Most people who cause problems and act violently miraculously quieten down when police officers draw their Tasers. If that stops people from behaving violently — Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is a pity that she did not know the answer then. What does she expect? There has been an enormous rollout of Tasers over the past two years. Consequently, more officers will use them rather than use capsicum spray, draw their handguns or use their batons. Tasers have worked very well with virtually no ill effect. The shadow minister knows a few answers now because she has done a bit of homework since she was embarrassed by Simon Beaumont. All our officers have to go through training to be able to use the Taser guns. Mr E.S. Ripper : How many complaints are you dealing with about the use of Tasers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hardly any now. We had a few to start with but now there are hardly any, because I think people realise that they would sooner be tasered than be sprayed in the eyes with capsicum spray. Mr M. McGowan : I would sooner be tasered than listen to another answer from you! Please, put me out of my misery. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Most people who cause problems and act violently miraculously quieten down when police officers draw their Tasers. If that stops people from behaving violently — Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
Mr E.S. Ripper : How many complaints are you dealing with about the use of Tasers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hardly any now. We had a few to start with but now there are hardly any, because I think people realise that they would sooner be tasered than be sprayed in the eyes with capsicum spray. Mr M. McGowan : I would sooner be tasered than listen to another answer from you! Please, put me out of my misery. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Most people who cause problems and act violently miraculously quieten down when police officers draw their Tasers. If that stops people from behaving violently — Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hardly any now. We had a few to start with but now there are hardly any, because I think people realise that they would sooner be tasered than be sprayed in the eyes with capsicum spray. Mr M. McGowan : I would sooner be tasered than listen to another answer from you! Please, put me out of my misery. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Most people who cause problems and act violently miraculously quieten down when police officers draw their Tasers. If that stops people from behaving violently — Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
Mr M. McGowan : I would sooner be tasered than listen to another answer from you! Please, put me out of my misery. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Most people who cause problems and act violently miraculously quieten down when police officers draw their Tasers. If that stops people from behaving violently — Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Most people who cause problems and act violently miraculously quieten down when police officers draw their Tasers. If that stops people from behaving violently — Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON replied: I thank the member for the question. Like many people, I am confused by the stand of the shadow Minister for Police on the issue of Tasers. Once again, Tasers were introduced under her government. Radio presenter Simon Beaumont was confused about the member’s position the other day: he was not sure whether she supported the use of Tasers or was attacking their use. The question I have been asked is: what is my stand on the use of Tasers? Mr J.N. Hyde : Tell us. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will tell the member for Perth. I support the use of Tasers by our police, and I will tell members why. Mr J.N. Hyde interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Perth! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Whenever they need to. Mr J.N. Hyde : Smoking cigarettes in cars? Taser—bang! The SPEAKER : Order, member for Perth! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am doing what the former Premier used to do: waiting until opposition members simmer down before carrying on with the answer. That was a very good tactic of the former Premier. It works well. My stand on this issue is that I would sooner, any day, that police officers used Tasers than their firearms. Tasers are safer and have less of an ill effect on people than capsicum spray or batons. The member for Girrawheen said in a press release and when speaking on Simon Beaumont’s radio program that there has been a huge escalation in the number of times that Tasers have been used. Ms M.M. Quirk : They were rolled out last year. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is stunning! The member knows the answer now! Ms M.M. Quirk : I knew the answer then. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is a pity that she did not know the answer then. What does she expect? There has been an enormous rollout of Tasers over the past two years. Consequently, more officers will use them rather than use capsicum spray, draw their handguns or use their batons. Tasers have worked very well with virtually no ill effect. The shadow minister knows a few answers now because she has done a bit of homework since she was embarrassed by Simon Beaumont. All our officers have to go through training to be able to use the Taser guns. Mr E.S. Ripper : How many complaints are you dealing with about the use of Tasers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hardly any now. We had a few to start with but now there are hardly any, because I think people realise that they would sooner be tasered than be sprayed in the eyes with capsicum spray. Mr M. McGowan : I would sooner be tasered than listen to another answer from you! Please, put me out of my misery. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Most people who cause problems and act violently miraculously quieten down when police officers draw their Tasers. If that stops people from behaving violently — Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
I thank the member for the question. Like many people, I am confused by the stand of the shadow Minister for Police on the issue of Tasers. Once again, Tasers were introduced under her government. Radio presenter Simon Beaumont was confused about the member’s position the other day: he was not sure whether she supported the use of Tasers or was attacking their use. The question I have been asked is: what is my stand on the use of Tasers? Mr J.N. Hyde : Tell us. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will tell the member for Perth. I support the use of Tasers by our police, and I will tell members why. Mr J.N. Hyde interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Perth! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Whenever they need to. Mr J.N. Hyde : Smoking cigarettes in cars? Taser—bang! The SPEAKER : Order, member for Perth! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am doing what the former Premier used to do: waiting until opposition members simmer down before carrying on with the answer. That was a very good tactic of the former Premier. It works well. My stand on this issue is that I would sooner, any day, that police officers used Tasers than their firearms. Tasers are safer and have less of an ill effect on people than capsicum spray or batons. The member for Girrawheen said in a press release and when speaking on Simon Beaumont’s radio program that there has been a huge escalation in the number of times that Tasers have been used. Ms M.M. Quirk : They were rolled out last year. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is stunning! The member knows the answer now! Ms M.M. Quirk : I knew the answer then. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is a pity that she did not know the answer then. What does she expect? There has been an enormous rollout of Tasers over the past two years. Consequently, more officers will use them rather than use capsicum spray, draw their handguns or use their batons. Tasers have worked very well with virtually no ill effect. The shadow minister knows a few answers now because she has done a bit of homework since she was embarrassed by Simon Beaumont. All our officers have to go through training to be able to use the Taser guns. Mr E.S. Ripper : How many complaints are you dealing with about the use of Tasers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hardly any now. We had a few to start with but now there are hardly any, because I think people realise that they would sooner be tasered than be sprayed in the eyes with capsicum spray. Mr M. McGowan : I would sooner be tasered than listen to another answer from you! Please, put me out of my misery. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Most people who cause problems and act violently miraculously quieten down when police officers draw their Tasers. If that stops people from behaving violently — Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
Mr J.N. Hyde : Tell us. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will tell the member for Perth. I support the use of Tasers by our police, and I will tell members why. Mr J.N. Hyde interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Perth! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Whenever they need to. Mr J.N. Hyde : Smoking cigarettes in cars? Taser—bang! The SPEAKER : Order, member for Perth! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am doing what the former Premier used to do: waiting until opposition members simmer down before carrying on with the answer. That was a very good tactic of the former Premier. It works well. My stand on this issue is that I would sooner, any day, that police officers used Tasers than their firearms. Tasers are safer and have less of an ill effect on people than capsicum spray or batons. The member for Girrawheen said in a press release and when speaking on Simon Beaumont’s radio program that there has been a huge escalation in the number of times that Tasers have been used. Ms M.M. Quirk : They were rolled out last year. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is stunning! The member knows the answer now! Ms M.M. Quirk : I knew the answer then. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is a pity that she did not know the answer then. What does she expect? There has been an enormous rollout of Tasers over the past two years. Consequently, more officers will use them rather than use capsicum spray, draw their handguns or use their batons. Tasers have worked very well with virtually no ill effect. The shadow minister knows a few answers now because she has done a bit of homework since she was embarrassed by Simon Beaumont. All our officers have to go through training to be able to use the Taser guns. Mr E.S. Ripper : How many complaints are you dealing with about the use of Tasers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hardly any now. We had a few to start with but now there are hardly any, because I think people realise that they would sooner be tasered than be sprayed in the eyes with capsicum spray. Mr M. McGowan : I would sooner be tasered than listen to another answer from you! Please, put me out of my misery. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Most people who cause problems and act violently miraculously quieten down when police officers draw their Tasers. If that stops people from behaving violently — Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I will tell the member for Perth. I support the use of Tasers by our police, and I will tell members why. Mr J.N. Hyde interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Perth! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Whenever they need to. Mr J.N. Hyde : Smoking cigarettes in cars? Taser—bang! The SPEAKER : Order, member for Perth! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am doing what the former Premier used to do: waiting until opposition members simmer down before carrying on with the answer. That was a very good tactic of the former Premier. It works well. My stand on this issue is that I would sooner, any day, that police officers used Tasers than their firearms. Tasers are safer and have less of an ill effect on people than capsicum spray or batons. The member for Girrawheen said in a press release and when speaking on Simon Beaumont’s radio program that there has been a huge escalation in the number of times that Tasers have been used. Ms M.M. Quirk : They were rolled out last year. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is stunning! The member knows the answer now! Ms M.M. Quirk : I knew the answer then. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is a pity that she did not know the answer then. What does she expect? There has been an enormous rollout of Tasers over the past two years. Consequently, more officers will use them rather than use capsicum spray, draw their handguns or use their batons. Tasers have worked very well with virtually no ill effect. The shadow minister knows a few answers now because she has done a bit of homework since she was embarrassed by Simon Beaumont. All our officers have to go through training to be able to use the Taser guns. Mr E.S. Ripper : How many complaints are you dealing with about the use of Tasers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hardly any now. We had a few to start with but now there are hardly any, because I think people realise that they would sooner be tasered than be sprayed in the eyes with capsicum spray. Mr M. McGowan : I would sooner be tasered than listen to another answer from you! Please, put me out of my misery. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Most people who cause problems and act violently miraculously quieten down when police officers draw their Tasers. If that stops people from behaving violently — Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
Mr J.N. Hyde interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Perth! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Whenever they need to. Mr J.N. Hyde : Smoking cigarettes in cars? Taser—bang! The SPEAKER : Order, member for Perth! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am doing what the former Premier used to do: waiting until opposition members simmer down before carrying on with the answer. That was a very good tactic of the former Premier. It works well. My stand on this issue is that I would sooner, any day, that police officers used Tasers than their firearms. Tasers are safer and have less of an ill effect on people than capsicum spray or batons. The member for Girrawheen said in a press release and when speaking on Simon Beaumont’s radio program that there has been a huge escalation in the number of times that Tasers have been used. Ms M.M. Quirk : They were rolled out last year. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is stunning! The member knows the answer now! Ms M.M. Quirk : I knew the answer then. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is a pity that she did not know the answer then. What does she expect? There has been an enormous rollout of Tasers over the past two years. Consequently, more officers will use them rather than use capsicum spray, draw their handguns or use their batons. Tasers have worked very well with virtually no ill effect. The shadow minister knows a few answers now because she has done a bit of homework since she was embarrassed by Simon Beaumont. All our officers have to go through training to be able to use the Taser guns. Mr E.S. Ripper : How many complaints are you dealing with about the use of Tasers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hardly any now. We had a few to start with but now there are hardly any, because I think people realise that they would sooner be tasered than be sprayed in the eyes with capsicum spray. Mr M. McGowan : I would sooner be tasered than listen to another answer from you! Please, put me out of my misery. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Most people who cause problems and act violently miraculously quieten down when police officers draw their Tasers. If that stops people from behaving violently — Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
The SPEAKER : Order, member for Perth! Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Whenever they need to. Mr J.N. Hyde : Smoking cigarettes in cars? Taser—bang! The SPEAKER : Order, member for Perth! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am doing what the former Premier used to do: waiting until opposition members simmer down before carrying on with the answer. That was a very good tactic of the former Premier. It works well. My stand on this issue is that I would sooner, any day, that police officers used Tasers than their firearms. Tasers are safer and have less of an ill effect on people than capsicum spray or batons. The member for Girrawheen said in a press release and when speaking on Simon Beaumont’s radio program that there has been a huge escalation in the number of times that Tasers have been used. Ms M.M. Quirk : They were rolled out last year. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is stunning! The member knows the answer now! Ms M.M. Quirk : I knew the answer then. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is a pity that she did not know the answer then. What does she expect? There has been an enormous rollout of Tasers over the past two years. Consequently, more officers will use them rather than use capsicum spray, draw their handguns or use their batons. Tasers have worked very well with virtually no ill effect. The shadow minister knows a few answers now because she has done a bit of homework since she was embarrassed by Simon Beaumont. All our officers have to go through training to be able to use the Taser guns. Mr E.S. Ripper : How many complaints are you dealing with about the use of Tasers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hardly any now. We had a few to start with but now there are hardly any, because I think people realise that they would sooner be tasered than be sprayed in the eyes with capsicum spray. Mr M. McGowan : I would sooner be tasered than listen to another answer from you! Please, put me out of my misery. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Most people who cause problems and act violently miraculously quieten down when police officers draw their Tasers. If that stops people from behaving violently — Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Whenever they need to. Mr J.N. Hyde : Smoking cigarettes in cars? Taser—bang! The SPEAKER : Order, member for Perth! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am doing what the former Premier used to do: waiting until opposition members simmer down before carrying on with the answer. That was a very good tactic of the former Premier. It works well. My stand on this issue is that I would sooner, any day, that police officers used Tasers than their firearms. Tasers are safer and have less of an ill effect on people than capsicum spray or batons. The member for Girrawheen said in a press release and when speaking on Simon Beaumont’s radio program that there has been a huge escalation in the number of times that Tasers have been used. Ms M.M. Quirk : They were rolled out last year. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is stunning! The member knows the answer now! Ms M.M. Quirk : I knew the answer then. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is a pity that she did not know the answer then. What does she expect? There has been an enormous rollout of Tasers over the past two years. Consequently, more officers will use them rather than use capsicum spray, draw their handguns or use their batons. Tasers have worked very well with virtually no ill effect. The shadow minister knows a few answers now because she has done a bit of homework since she was embarrassed by Simon Beaumont. All our officers have to go through training to be able to use the Taser guns. Mr E.S. Ripper : How many complaints are you dealing with about the use of Tasers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hardly any now. We had a few to start with but now there are hardly any, because I think people realise that they would sooner be tasered than be sprayed in the eyes with capsicum spray. Mr M. McGowan : I would sooner be tasered than listen to another answer from you! Please, put me out of my misery. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Most people who cause problems and act violently miraculously quieten down when police officers draw their Tasers. If that stops people from behaving violently — Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
Mr J.N. Hyde : Smoking cigarettes in cars? Taser—bang! The SPEAKER : Order, member for Perth! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am doing what the former Premier used to do: waiting until opposition members simmer down before carrying on with the answer. That was a very good tactic of the former Premier. It works well. My stand on this issue is that I would sooner, any day, that police officers used Tasers than their firearms. Tasers are safer and have less of an ill effect on people than capsicum spray or batons. The member for Girrawheen said in a press release and when speaking on Simon Beaumont’s radio program that there has been a huge escalation in the number of times that Tasers have been used. Ms M.M. Quirk : They were rolled out last year. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is stunning! The member knows the answer now! Ms M.M. Quirk : I knew the answer then. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is a pity that she did not know the answer then. What does she expect? There has been an enormous rollout of Tasers over the past two years. Consequently, more officers will use them rather than use capsicum spray, draw their handguns or use their batons. Tasers have worked very well with virtually no ill effect. The shadow minister knows a few answers now because she has done a bit of homework since she was embarrassed by Simon Beaumont. All our officers have to go through training to be able to use the Taser guns. Mr E.S. Ripper : How many complaints are you dealing with about the use of Tasers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hardly any now. We had a few to start with but now there are hardly any, because I think people realise that they would sooner be tasered than be sprayed in the eyes with capsicum spray. Mr M. McGowan : I would sooner be tasered than listen to another answer from you! Please, put me out of my misery. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Most people who cause problems and act violently miraculously quieten down when police officers draw their Tasers. If that stops people from behaving violently — Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
The SPEAKER : Order, member for Perth! Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am doing what the former Premier used to do: waiting until opposition members simmer down before carrying on with the answer. That was a very good tactic of the former Premier. It works well. My stand on this issue is that I would sooner, any day, that police officers used Tasers than their firearms. Tasers are safer and have less of an ill effect on people than capsicum spray or batons. The member for Girrawheen said in a press release and when speaking on Simon Beaumont’s radio program that there has been a huge escalation in the number of times that Tasers have been used. Ms M.M. Quirk : They were rolled out last year. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is stunning! The member knows the answer now! Ms M.M. Quirk : I knew the answer then. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is a pity that she did not know the answer then. What does she expect? There has been an enormous rollout of Tasers over the past two years. Consequently, more officers will use them rather than use capsicum spray, draw their handguns or use their batons. Tasers have worked very well with virtually no ill effect. The shadow minister knows a few answers now because she has done a bit of homework since she was embarrassed by Simon Beaumont. All our officers have to go through training to be able to use the Taser guns. Mr E.S. Ripper : How many complaints are you dealing with about the use of Tasers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hardly any now. We had a few to start with but now there are hardly any, because I think people realise that they would sooner be tasered than be sprayed in the eyes with capsicum spray. Mr M. McGowan : I would sooner be tasered than listen to another answer from you! Please, put me out of my misery. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Most people who cause problems and act violently miraculously quieten down when police officers draw their Tasers. If that stops people from behaving violently — Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
Several members interjected. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am doing what the former Premier used to do: waiting until opposition members simmer down before carrying on with the answer. That was a very good tactic of the former Premier. It works well. My stand on this issue is that I would sooner, any day, that police officers used Tasers than their firearms. Tasers are safer and have less of an ill effect on people than capsicum spray or batons. The member for Girrawheen said in a press release and when speaking on Simon Beaumont’s radio program that there has been a huge escalation in the number of times that Tasers have been used. Ms M.M. Quirk : They were rolled out last year. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is stunning! The member knows the answer now! Ms M.M. Quirk : I knew the answer then. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is a pity that she did not know the answer then. What does she expect? There has been an enormous rollout of Tasers over the past two years. Consequently, more officers will use them rather than use capsicum spray, draw their handguns or use their batons. Tasers have worked very well with virtually no ill effect. The shadow minister knows a few answers now because she has done a bit of homework since she was embarrassed by Simon Beaumont. All our officers have to go through training to be able to use the Taser guns. Mr E.S. Ripper : How many complaints are you dealing with about the use of Tasers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hardly any now. We had a few to start with but now there are hardly any, because I think people realise that they would sooner be tasered than be sprayed in the eyes with capsicum spray. Mr M. McGowan : I would sooner be tasered than listen to another answer from you! Please, put me out of my misery. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Most people who cause problems and act violently miraculously quieten down when police officers draw their Tasers. If that stops people from behaving violently — Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : I am doing what the former Premier used to do: waiting until opposition members simmer down before carrying on with the answer. That was a very good tactic of the former Premier. It works well. My stand on this issue is that I would sooner, any day, that police officers used Tasers than their firearms. Tasers are safer and have less of an ill effect on people than capsicum spray or batons. The member for Girrawheen said in a press release and when speaking on Simon Beaumont’s radio program that there has been a huge escalation in the number of times that Tasers have been used. Ms M.M. Quirk : They were rolled out last year. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is stunning! The member knows the answer now! Ms M.M. Quirk : I knew the answer then. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is a pity that she did not know the answer then. What does she expect? There has been an enormous rollout of Tasers over the past two years. Consequently, more officers will use them rather than use capsicum spray, draw their handguns or use their batons. Tasers have worked very well with virtually no ill effect. The shadow minister knows a few answers now because she has done a bit of homework since she was embarrassed by Simon Beaumont. All our officers have to go through training to be able to use the Taser guns. Mr E.S. Ripper : How many complaints are you dealing with about the use of Tasers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hardly any now. We had a few to start with but now there are hardly any, because I think people realise that they would sooner be tasered than be sprayed in the eyes with capsicum spray. Mr M. McGowan : I would sooner be tasered than listen to another answer from you! Please, put me out of my misery. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Most people who cause problems and act violently miraculously quieten down when police officers draw their Tasers. If that stops people from behaving violently — Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
My stand on this issue is that I would sooner, any day, that police officers used Tasers than their firearms. Tasers are safer and have less of an ill effect on people than capsicum spray or batons. The member for Girrawheen said in a press release and when speaking on Simon Beaumont’s radio program that there has been a huge escalation in the number of times that Tasers have been used. Ms M.M. Quirk : They were rolled out last year. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is stunning! The member knows the answer now! Ms M.M. Quirk : I knew the answer then. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is a pity that she did not know the answer then. What does she expect? There has been an enormous rollout of Tasers over the past two years. Consequently, more officers will use them rather than use capsicum spray, draw their handguns or use their batons. Tasers have worked very well with virtually no ill effect. The shadow minister knows a few answers now because she has done a bit of homework since she was embarrassed by Simon Beaumont. All our officers have to go through training to be able to use the Taser guns. Mr E.S. Ripper : How many complaints are you dealing with about the use of Tasers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hardly any now. We had a few to start with but now there are hardly any, because I think people realise that they would sooner be tasered than be sprayed in the eyes with capsicum spray. Mr M. McGowan : I would sooner be tasered than listen to another answer from you! Please, put me out of my misery. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Most people who cause problems and act violently miraculously quieten down when police officers draw their Tasers. If that stops people from behaving violently — Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
Ms M.M. Quirk : They were rolled out last year. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is stunning! The member knows the answer now! Ms M.M. Quirk : I knew the answer then. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is a pity that she did not know the answer then. What does she expect? There has been an enormous rollout of Tasers over the past two years. Consequently, more officers will use them rather than use capsicum spray, draw their handguns or use their batons. Tasers have worked very well with virtually no ill effect. The shadow minister knows a few answers now because she has done a bit of homework since she was embarrassed by Simon Beaumont. All our officers have to go through training to be able to use the Taser guns. Mr E.S. Ripper : How many complaints are you dealing with about the use of Tasers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hardly any now. We had a few to start with but now there are hardly any, because I think people realise that they would sooner be tasered than be sprayed in the eyes with capsicum spray. Mr M. McGowan : I would sooner be tasered than listen to another answer from you! Please, put me out of my misery. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Most people who cause problems and act violently miraculously quieten down when police officers draw their Tasers. If that stops people from behaving violently — Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is stunning! The member knows the answer now! Ms M.M. Quirk : I knew the answer then. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is a pity that she did not know the answer then. What does she expect? There has been an enormous rollout of Tasers over the past two years. Consequently, more officers will use them rather than use capsicum spray, draw their handguns or use their batons. Tasers have worked very well with virtually no ill effect. The shadow minister knows a few answers now because she has done a bit of homework since she was embarrassed by Simon Beaumont. All our officers have to go through training to be able to use the Taser guns. Mr E.S. Ripper : How many complaints are you dealing with about the use of Tasers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hardly any now. We had a few to start with but now there are hardly any, because I think people realise that they would sooner be tasered than be sprayed in the eyes with capsicum spray. Mr M. McGowan : I would sooner be tasered than listen to another answer from you! Please, put me out of my misery. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Most people who cause problems and act violently miraculously quieten down when police officers draw their Tasers. If that stops people from behaving violently — Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
Ms M.M. Quirk : I knew the answer then. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is a pity that she did not know the answer then. What does she expect? There has been an enormous rollout of Tasers over the past two years. Consequently, more officers will use them rather than use capsicum spray, draw their handguns or use their batons. Tasers have worked very well with virtually no ill effect. The shadow minister knows a few answers now because she has done a bit of homework since she was embarrassed by Simon Beaumont. All our officers have to go through training to be able to use the Taser guns. Mr E.S. Ripper : How many complaints are you dealing with about the use of Tasers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hardly any now. We had a few to start with but now there are hardly any, because I think people realise that they would sooner be tasered than be sprayed in the eyes with capsicum spray. Mr M. McGowan : I would sooner be tasered than listen to another answer from you! Please, put me out of my misery. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Most people who cause problems and act violently miraculously quieten down when police officers draw their Tasers. If that stops people from behaving violently — Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : It is a pity that she did not know the answer then. What does she expect? There has been an enormous rollout of Tasers over the past two years. Consequently, more officers will use them rather than use capsicum spray, draw their handguns or use their batons. Tasers have worked very well with virtually no ill effect. The shadow minister knows a few answers now because she has done a bit of homework since she was embarrassed by Simon Beaumont. All our officers have to go through training to be able to use the Taser guns. Mr E.S. Ripper : How many complaints are you dealing with about the use of Tasers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hardly any now. We had a few to start with but now there are hardly any, because I think people realise that they would sooner be tasered than be sprayed in the eyes with capsicum spray. Mr M. McGowan : I would sooner be tasered than listen to another answer from you! Please, put me out of my misery. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Most people who cause problems and act violently miraculously quieten down when police officers draw their Tasers. If that stops people from behaving violently — Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
Mr E.S. Ripper : How many complaints are you dealing with about the use of Tasers? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hardly any now. We had a few to start with but now there are hardly any, because I think people realise that they would sooner be tasered than be sprayed in the eyes with capsicum spray. Mr M. McGowan : I would sooner be tasered than listen to another answer from you! Please, put me out of my misery. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Most people who cause problems and act violently miraculously quieten down when police officers draw their Tasers. If that stops people from behaving violently — Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Hardly any now. We had a few to start with but now there are hardly any, because I think people realise that they would sooner be tasered than be sprayed in the eyes with capsicum spray. Mr M. McGowan : I would sooner be tasered than listen to another answer from you! Please, put me out of my misery. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Most people who cause problems and act violently miraculously quieten down when police officers draw their Tasers. If that stops people from behaving violently — Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
Mr M. McGowan : I would sooner be tasered than listen to another answer from you! Please, put me out of my misery. Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Most people who cause problems and act violently miraculously quieten down when police officers draw their Tasers. If that stops people from behaving violently — Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : Most people who cause problems and act violently miraculously quieten down when police officers draw their Tasers. If that stops people from behaving violently — Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
Mr E.S. Ripper : Can we get one over here? Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
Mr R.F. JOHNSON : We will get one. I would like to offer any member of the opposition who would like the opportunity to find out whether Tasers hurt to see me and I will arrange it for them.
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