Vic: Police not trigger-happy, says Police Minister
14 Dec 2008 2:12 PM
MELBOURNE, Dec 14 AAP - Police Minister Bob Cameron denies Victoria Police are trigger-happy after a 15-year-old boy was shot dead last week at a suburban skate park.
Mr Cameron on Sunday said the death of Tyler Cassidy was very distressing for his grieving family and friends and for the four police officers involved in the shooting.
He told reporters that the shooting was being investigated by the homicide and Ethical Standards departments.
"I don't believe police are trigger-happy," he said.
He said police were trained to handle life or death situations in a program called Operation Beacon which was aimed at giving them skills to resolve stand-offs without shooting.
"When I heard about the incident, the thought that went through my mind was how can these things be avoided," Mr Cameron said.
Tyler was shot and killed by officers in a Melbourne skate park in north suburban Northcote last Thursday night after allegedly threatening to kill them with two knives.
Tyler's mother Shani said police heavy-handedness and lack of negotiating skills at the scene of the shooting contributed to the death of her son.
Mr Cameron said the police investigation would look at how to control situations such as this in a better fashion.
"You can only ever improve if you look at what happened and you adapt accordingly," he said.
"Nobody in the community and nobody in the Victoria Police wants anybody to be shot unless it is a case of last resort."
Tyler was believed to have been upset at the anniversary of his father's death, who died two years ago of cancer.
Mr Cameron said any decision to arm police with Taser stun guns was up to Victoria Police.
The police involved in the shooting have been offered leave and counselling.
