MP slams plans for 24-hour armed patrols

New Zealand First MP Ron Mark is at a loss to understand plans for permanently armed units on the streets of South Auckland.

The Police Commissioner will consider a proposed six-month trial of the 24-hour patrols in August. Police say the idea comes from a review of their effectiveness at call-outs where firearms are involved.

Officers would be equipped with shotguns, Glock pistols and medium-range Taser stun guns.

The suggestion comes less than a week after the fatal armed robbery of a liquor shop in Manurewa.

Ron Mark says the idea leaves him scratching his head. He says the police dither about the use of non-lethal Tasers, then think about squads equipped with guns.
He says police already have plenty of tools to help them deal with these situations such as tactical response groups and armed offender squads.

There is also the capability to send patrol cars out at night with firearms on board if need be.

Mr Mark says the proposal to arm police with lethal weapons on a routine basis is hard to accept.

- NEWSTALK ZB