Police union representatives in the Illawarra have backed their colleagues' campaign for officers to be allowed to carry firearms into courtrooms, despite already winning the dispensation in most South Coast courts.
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The NSW Police Association has long asked for permission for officers to carry weapons when giving evidence, fighting a rule imposed by the NSW Chief Magistrate and Sheriff's Office banning police from wearing firearms in court.
The issue again flared this week, with union members in Port Macquarie voting to refuse to attend court without their weapons.
Police Association Wollongong branch official Bob Minns said police were permitted to wear guns in most local courthouses.
"At Albion Park, Port Kembla and Kiama, we are allowed to bring firearms into the courts," he said. "We don't have issues. We have arrangements with local magistrates."
Mr Minns said Wollongong Courthouse had allowed the same protocol before its recent closure for renovations.
Police Association southern region executive officer Jason Hogan said the association was now negotiating for permission to bring weapons into Nowra Courthouse, and supported the statewide campaign.
"We'll be going into discussions to support other branches who aren't as lucky to have magistrates that understand the current issues," Mr Hogan said.
"The court is where people are alleged to have committed offences ... it can be a hostile place, where people have their liberty removed and are taken into custody." He cited security of not only officers, but all people in courtrooms, as a major factor behind the push.
"The sheriffs do a good job, but they don't have the equipment and training to keep people in a court complex safe," he said.
"We are discussing with [Nowra] magistrates and sheriffs to bring guns into court, or if that is not possible, to increase security."
Mr Hogan said the issue would be discussed at a union forum in June.