Vic police to get semi-automatic guns

Victorian police officers will be armed with semi-automatic guns within the next six months, Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon says.

The announcement follows the conclusion of an investigation by an independent panel into the weapons' potential use and viability within Victoria Police.

Ms Nixon denied the decision was a backdown and said it was a decision that was not made lightly.

"The number one concern I had regarding the implementation of semi-automatic weapons is the safety of Victoria Police officers and the community," she said.