Australia raises terror threat level to 'high' for police

Australia’s main domestic security agency on Tuesday raised the terrorist threat level against police from “medium” to “high” in response to recent international attacks targeting officers.

The threat against police as assessed by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation now equals the threat to the wider Australian community, which was lifted to “high” in September 2014, Australian Federal Police said in a statement.

“Recent events in France, Canada and Australia serve as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with policing,” the statement said.

The police statement said there are an increasing number of Australians inspired by groups such as Islamic State “with the intent and capability to conduct an attack against police.”