The Police Association says officers were needlessly put at risk when they were sent to evict the Parliament protesters last year without enough protective equipment.
Officers told the Police watchdog, for it's report into the event released yesterday, that the lack of gear was foreseeable and avoidable.
Association president Chris Cahill says there was also a reluctance from top brass to kit officers out with full body armour in a bid to avoid raising tensions.
He says this was "wishful thinking" given the violent reaction from protesters during previous efforts to remove them from Parliament.
Protesters gain control of a fire hose and aim that at police as well Photo: VNP / Phil Smith
Cahill spoke to Corin Dann.
