Combat rifles are set to become the preferred weapons of choice for police dealing with armed situations.
Police say Bushmaster rifles, already used by armed offender squads members, have greater accuracy than the Glock pistols used at present.
From July, nationwide training will ensure all officers are competent
in using the rifle.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Gavin Jones said while the Glock pistol would still be carried, the Bushmaster would be the preferred weapon for dealing with armed incidents.
It had superior accuracy, and deploying the weapon more often would maximise the safety of both police and the public, he told Radio New Zealand.
The decision has been criticised by opponents of the Taser stun gun who fear police are going too far by making combat rifles their preferred weapon.
A spokesperson for the Anti-Taser Group told RNZ the move needed an independent oversight, otherwise it was heading down a path to a greater armed police and a less safe New Zealand.
The Police Association said the service always sought independent advice before endorsing a new weapon for officers.
It said consultation was held with police in other countries, to ensure best practice principles were followed.
- NZPA
