NZ police trial new response to high risk events

The safety of frontline officers and members of the public in New Zealand will be the focus of a new trial of specialist police response teams in three of the largest urban centers, Police Minister Stuart Nash said on Friday.

Police released details of an initiative to be trialed in Counties Manukau, Waikato and Canterbury which will involve more active deployment of the Armed Offenders Squad (AOS).

"Police continue to operate in a law and order environment where the threat level remains at medium following the March 15 terror attacks," Nash said in a statement.

"Police are continually reviewing the way they respond to high-risk incidents and ensure community safety during critical events. The six-month trial of Armed Response Teams (ARTs) is the latest feature of that ongoing reassessment," he said.

The safety of police officers and members of the public are given utmost priority when responding to dangerous incidents, the minster said, adding that it is also important that frontline police have access to the tools and resources they need in high-risk or critical events.

Earlier this year, police also began the rollout of new body armor worth almost 21 million NZ dollars.

The three areas have been selected for the trial because of the incidence of crimes involving armed offenders, he said.

"Police need to be able to respond in a way that keeps themselves and the public safe. They will carry standard Glock pistols and Tasers, and the standard Bushmaster rifles will be in lock boxes in vehicles," Nash said.