THE use of pepper spray by the police was stopped because there were no proper law to support it, according to Policing Ministry staff member Biu Matavou.
“Pepper spray was brought in but it was put on hold because there were no proper laws in place,” he said.
Mr Matavou raised the issue during discussions on arming police officers with pepper spray.
“The amendment will allow officers to be armed,” he said.
“This will happen if there is unanimous agreement by the public.”
He said this would improve public confidence in law enforcement’s ability to handle confrontations effectively.
In response, consultant David Solvalu said arresting suspects involved in criminal activities proved difficult at times.
He said they wanted to know the public’s views on the types of weapons police officers should be allowed to carry.
“We want to have conversations with the public on whether officers should be allowed to carry guns and tasers,” Mr Solvalu said, adding there had been calls for officers to be armed because of the seriousness of drug-related activities.