September 22, 2021
Armed Response Team backlash sparks new policing model
Police has unveiled a new tactical response model, after the backlash against its armed response teams.
Commissioner Andrew Coster says Police has engaged with Māori, Pacific and Ethnic community leaders, and taken on board feedback about the armed response teams.
He says frontline officers increasingly face threats from those willing to use violence.
The new model is designed around enhancing frontline training; improving frontline access to specialist capability, and strengthening risk-based deployment and technology.
Annual tactical training days for frontline staff will be doubled to eight days, with new scenario-based training focused on tactical responses and de-escalation.
The number of staff who are Armed Offender Squad-qualified will be increased.
Some will be rostered into new positions to enable dog units to operate as two-person teams, while others will be added to Tactical Prevention Teams, which focus on apprehending priority and high-risk offenders and combating organised crime.
These specialist teams will also be available to support frontline staff if called on to respond urgently to high-risk incidents.
They will wear standard police uniforms and drive standard police vehicles.
Commissioner Coster says they will not be armed in their day-to-day duties but will have immediate access to tactical options if the situation requires it.