The debate around the trial of armed police patrols in New Zealand continues since it was announced three weeks ago. The patrols will be rolled out in Manukau, Waikato, and Canterbury and involve heavily armed, specially trained units roaming the streets in vehicles. Opponents of the trial fear the number and scope of armed groups of police officers will slowly expand until the practice becomes normalised. Lachlan Balfour spoke with John Buttle about the patrols.

John Buttle is a Senior Lecturer in Criminology at AUT. He is an expert in policing and society.

Podcast:

 

This interview originally aired on 95bFM’s weekly news and current affairs show The Wire. For more stories like this, click here.

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Disclaimer: The ideas expressed in this discussion reflect the views of the guest and not necessarily the views of The Big Q. 

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