F61 Fire Orders

Question 1

FIRE ORDERS

Answer 1

Every Police employee issued with a firearm is personally responsible for ensuring they are thoroughly conversant with relevant law,
particularly Sections 39, 40, 41, 48, and 62 of the Crimes Act 1961, General Instructions F061,
and all relevant instructions and guidelines contained in the Police Firearms chapter of this Police manual.

Question 2

When can firearms be used?

1

3

3

Answer 2

You may only use a firearm for these purposes:
• To defend yourself or another if: you fear death or GBH to yourself or others,
And cannot reasonably protect yourself or others in a less violent manner.

• To arrest an offender if: you believe on reasonable grounds that the offender poses a threat of death or GBH in resisting their arrest,

and the arrest cannot be reasonably effected in a less violent manner,

or be delayed without danger to other people

• To prevent an offender escaping if: you believe on reasonable grounds that the offender poses a threat of death or GBH to any person

and the offender flees to avoid arrest or escapes after arrest,

and the flight or escape cannot reasonably be prevented in a less violent manner.

Question 3

Conditions to be satisfied before firing.

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2

Answer 3

An offender must not be shot until all these conditions have been satisfied:
• They have first been asked to surrender (unless it is impractical and unsafe to ask them)

• It is clear they cannot be disarmed or arrested without first being shot,
• Further delay in apprehending the offender would be dangerous or impractical.

Warning shots as a general rule should not be fired, unless in the circumstances, a warning shot may be appropriate. Only fire a warning shot if:

• Extreme caution is taken to safeguard the safety of others.
• The suspect has been asked to surrender (if practical) and has not done so, and it can be clearly aimed as a warning shot.