Our airports are going to have a different feel this Christmas as dozens more anti-terror police — armed with assault rifles — patrol the halls.
The extra 135 officers will be armed with MK18 short-barrelled rifles and trained to assess hostile threats and behaviour.Armed anti-terror police and bomb-detection dogs will be a normal sight at Australian airports this summer. Picture: Lukas Coch“These highly-trained officers run towards dangerous incidents, not away from them,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said today.
“It is vital they have every resource necessary to help them do their job and protect the community.”“Today’s announcement doesn’t reflect a change to the alert and risk level that’s in place,” the prime minister said.Passengers will also be required to carry identification on them from April next year as the government attempts to crack down on criminals travelling under fake names.Prime Minister Scott Morrison with a drug-detection dog.
“In July 2017, a major terrorist plot was disrupted targeting a passenger flight departing from Sydney. “Just this week, our law enforcement agencies have arrested a 21 year old who is alleged to have been involved in advocating and preparing for terrorist acts.“I want ... all those that are travelling this Christmas through our airports to be reassured by the presence of these officers.”The officers will eventually be stationed in all capital cities except Hobart, as well as airports in Cairns and the Gold Coast over the next 18 months.
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