Persons arrested on suspicion of firearms offences will now be held in prison to ease overcrowding in police cells.Members of the Senate agreed it “made sense” to amend the law in light of the increase in gun violence across the community.The Firearms Amendment Act 2011 states that firearms suspects can now be held in Westgate, the Co-Ed Facility, or the Prison Farm before they are charged.Junior National Security Minister Jonathan Smith said the amendments were necessary because of the increase in firearms offences and because suspects often have to be held for longer periods of time while awaiting forensic evidence.Police can now hold firearms suspects for up to 14 days or up to 28 days if an extension is sought.Senator Smith added that although there would have been sufficient grounds for their arrest, suspects should still be held in a separate area from convicted criminals.There was little debate before the new legislation was unanimously passed with only two senators choosing to comment.Shadow National Security Minister Michael Dunkley said: “It makes good sense to support it. We fully understand the challenges being faced and this seems like the perfect solution.”Independent Senator Joan Dillas-Wright lent her support to the bill, adding: “We’re all aware of the violence that exists … this is absolutely necessary and also gives some reassurance to the public.”