Listen Now: 
Trials will start later this month in the Northland and Central police districts of the new Tactical Response Model, which was developed after negative reaction to the Armed Response Units cruising the streets of south Auckland in black trucks.
Police Commissioner Andy Coster says there has been extensive consultation on the new model, including 570 engagement sessions with representatives from a diverse range of community groups.
He says the Northland and Central trial will include training, access to specialist capability for dog handlers and Tactical Prevention Teams, and risk-based deployment and technology.
A more limited trial in Counties Manukau and Waikato will test training, Tactical Prevention Teams, and risk-based deployment and technology.
Commissioner Coster says Police will remain a generally unarmed Service in New Zealand.
RELATED NEWS
