POLICE will have shoot to kill powers in the event of a terrorist threat under recent laws passed by State Parliament.
Under the new legislation, the Commissioner of Police will have the power to declare an incident a “terrorist incident” when satisfied an incident is likely to be a terrorist attack that requires planned and coordinated police action.
Police officers will have immunity from criminal liability, unless the action was in breach of an order from the officer in charge.
Attorney General Vickie Chapman said the laws reflected the State Government’s commitment to keeping South Australians safe and removed any ambiguity for police in a terrorist incident.
“While I’m sure we all hope police will never need to use these powers, they will ensure police officers have the confidence to do their job and protect the public, should the unthinkable occur,” she said.
The laws reflect changes introduced in New South Wales following concerns raised by the state’s Coroner that police officers were reluctant to use lethal force during the Lindt Café siege, because they could not reasonably determine the risk of death or serious injury to hostages was imminent.
