Tasmania Police conducted a high-intensity exercise at Hobart’s Cat and Fiddle Arcade last night, giving frontline retail operators, police and other emergency services a chance to test their response capabilities to an Active Armed Offender event.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Stuart Wilkinson said the practical exercise, held after hours to minimise disruption to the public, simulated a fast-moving incident involving an armed attacker in a crowded retail environment.

“The scenario enabled frontline police, specialist units and participating retailers to test their plans and practise how they would act in the critical first moments of an incident,” he said.

“While Tasmania is a safe place to live, exercises like this are essential to ensuring we are well prepared for situations that can unfold with little to no warning.”

“Retail operators are often the first people confronted in the early moments of an incident like this.

“Giving them the opportunity to practise their own emergency procedures alongside police is vital, as their ability to respond quickly, safely and calmly can make an enormous difference in protecting themselves, their staff and the public.”

The exercise forms part of a series funded by the Australia–New Zealand Counter Terrorism Committee, supporting specialist counter terrorism capability development across all jurisdictions.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Wilkinson said the event was also a timely reminder for the community to know how to respond if they ever find themselves in a situation involving an armed attacker.

“We want all Tasmanians to remember three simple words: Escape. Hide. Tell.”

“Being prepared and knowing what to do can save your life and the lives of others,” he said.

• ESCAPE – Move away from danger quickly and quietly if it is safe to do so.
• HIDE – If you cannot escape, hide from view and silence your phone.
• TELL – When safe, call Triple Zero (000) and provide as much information as possible.

Tasmania Police continues to work closely with government agencies, emergency services and the retail sector to maintain strong, nationally aligned counter terrorism preparedness.

“We thank the Cat and Fiddle Arcade and all participating retailers for their support and participation in this exercise. Their involvement is critical in helping us protect crowded places and keep our community safe,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Wilkinson said.

Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious behaviour to the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400, or to Tasmania Police on 131 444. Always call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.