National

Police guns to get statewide test over safety scare

Apr 23, 2026

Queensland Police officers wearing hand guns and tasers — Queensland Police will hand in their weapons for testing to check for a malfunction. -AAP Image

An entire state's police force will submit handguns for testing after a fault was identified that could lead to them accidentally shooting multiple bullets.

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The Queensland Police Service will test all of its service-issued Glock handguns after the discovery of the potentially serious malfunction.

Proactive testing of the weapons found they could shoot more bullets than intended when they were fired.

"An issue identified in that testing related to a malfunction which could result in the potential for multiple shots to be fired when the Glock is discharged," Queensland Police said in a Thursday statement.

There had been no operational incidents recorded in connection with the handguns, the statement added.

But further testing was due to be conducted across all regions state-wide in the interests of "officer and community safety".

Weapons that are given the green light will be returned to service, while those that do not meet required standards will be shelved.

Queensland Police are separately working with suppliers to identify defects.