Jason Farrow, 34, remains in the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a serious condition. The Federation of Community Legal Centres wants Victoria Police to focus on improved responses to confrontations to reduce weapon use including firearms, capsicum spray and tasers.

‘‘Tasers are not a non-lethal alternative to firearms,’’ Federation executive officer Hugh de Kretser said.

‘‘Canadian police refer to them as a less-lethal alternative, recognising the risks associated with their use.

‘‘There should be a comprehensive open inquiry into the risks involved before there is any expansion of taser use by Victoria Police,’’ he said.

The federation said if taser deployment was expanded in Victoria, there must be strict accountability of taser use, including threats.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said the Operational Safety Division has been conducting ongoing research into the use of the taser generally and its potential for use by operational Victoria Police members.

‘‘The research is ongoing and involves studies of interstate and international use of the taser, along with studies of the use by specialist units within Victoria Police,’’ she said.

‘‘Once the research is complete, a report will be forwarded to the Chief Commissioner with recommendations on suitability of the taser for general duties police members.’’