For many Territorians our public transport network is essential in day to day life, and safety and security is a key priority.
To support our commitment to safety, from this week the Territory Labor Government is equipping Transit Safety Officers with capsicum spray (OC Spray).
OC Spray will be used as a last resort form of deterrence and self-defence to keep passengers and drivers safe when confronted with anti-social or violent behaviour.
Often on our bus network, Transit Safety Officers are the first responders positioned to act quickly, as such it is imperative we provide the necessary tools to keep the public and themselves safe.
All Transit Safety Officers have undergone extensive training in order to be equipped with capsicum spray to ensure proper use, which includes how to administer aftercare for affected persons.
In addition, Transit Safety Officers will receive an OC Spray refresher training course every 12 months to maintain best practices at all times.
Following the deployment of OC Spray by a Transit Safety Officer, a two tier committee will review the use to ensure national standards are adhered to at all times.
Quote attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Planning & Logistics, Eva Lawler:
"The importance of keeping our bus network safe for passengers and drivers cannot be understated.
"Rolling out OC Spray will be an effective tool for our Transit Safety Officers to deal with confronting situations and reduce anti-social behaviour.
"This is just one of the many initiatives implemented by the Territory Labor Government to improve bus safety, including increased Transit Safety Officers, issuing of body warm cameras, expanding powers of arrest, and tougher banning provisions."
Northern Territory Government
