WA police renew calls to be armed in court

The WA Police Union says a man who brought knives into a Perth court shows officers should be able to carry weapons, but the state government disagrees.

The Perth Magistrates Court

Armed police had to be called to the Perth Magistrates Court after a man took a large knife inside. (AAP)

Existing security measures have been shown to be working through the response to a man who brought two knives into Perth Magistrates Court, WA's attorney-general says.

The West Australian Police Union has used the incident on Tuesday afternoon to renew its call to overturn the ban on police carrying firearms, stun guns, pepper spray, batons and handcuffs in court.

"But there's resistance from that occurring," WAPU president George Tilbury told reporters.

"We've been lobbying government for that change since January this year. The attorney-general and the premier will not be moved.

"Things need to change for the safety of police officers and the community."

Mr Tilbury said a man brought a kitchen knife and a hunting knife through the security checkpoint on Tuesday and was chased by unarmed security guards into the toilet area.

Armed police were then called.

But Attorney-General Michael Mischin remains opposed to letting police wear their weapons and other equipment in court.

"The knives were taken by security and police attended immediately and seized the knives, and due to the relatively minor nature of this incident, police chose to summons the individual," Mr Mischin said.

"The individual then attended the registry under escort, where he paid his fines and departed without further incident.

"The existing security arrangements and procedures in the courthouse worked as designed to prevent the knives going beyond the checkpoint, and the seizing of the knives was dealt with appropriately.

"I note that the registry area is a public area where police officers are already able to carry guns."

Mr Mischin said the union had not contacted him directly about the ban, but a meeting had been arranged between Police Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan and judicial leaders.

"Changing those protocols is a matter best left to them, and I am confident that they will ask me for my assistance if they need it."


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Source: AAP


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