Pistols and Tasers can get in the way for police officers as they drive to enforce the law.
So, from Monday, Southern district police will start a three-month trial testing different driver's seat options for front-line police vehicles.
The tests were being conducted because of the damage to car seats caused by pistol and Taser attachment loops on police utility belts, New Zealand Police spokesman Ross Henderson said this week.
"This is in response to police districts reporting increased damage and wear and tear, particularly on vehicle driver's seats, caused mainly by the Glock [pistol] holster quick-attachment belt loop, and some of the other belt equipment, catching [on] the seat as officers get in and out of the vehicle."
The trial would involve testing three different seating design options in three police cars in the Southern district, Mr Henderson said.
"The options being tested include a synthetic leather seat and an 'enforcement seat', designed in Australia, with a cut-away section so belt equipment does not catch, as well as an existing cloth seat to be used for comparative purposes.
"The possibility of changing the design of the Glock holster quick-attachment belt loop is also being investigated," he said.
"Police will be working closely with the vehicle manufacturers Holden New Zealand during the trial to ensure that any changes that may be made to the seating arrangements do not interfere with the in-built safety features of the seats."
Tests would also involve cars in both the Waitemata and Wellington police districts.
