A Hamilton officer was also injured by a firearm during a routine traffic check this month.
And police in Hamilton and Auckland were recently confronted by armed offenders prompting calls from Police Association president Chris Cahill for more frontline police to be armed because of a growing number of criminals carrying guns.
Williams told Newstalk ZB last week she supported police officers being armed when they needed to be, but did not think it should extend to the permanent arming of the force nor the controversial Armed Response Teams.
She based her stance on discussions with Maori, Pacific Island and South Auckland communities who told her “loud and clear” the general arming of police was a real concern; they were also distressed to learn armed police routinely patrolled their streets.
Research published by police indicates from the 107 police shootings between 1916 and June 2020 Māori were victims in 43 instances, Pākehā 37 and “unknown” 21.
In 44 fatal shootings, Māori were again disproportionately represented with 17 victims and Pākehā 12.
Between 2009-2019, two thirds of all those shot by New Zealand Police were Māori or Pasifika
In her Christchurch East electorate, Coastal Ward by-election candidates backed Williams’ view.
“I can see where she’s coming from. We have to listen to groups like Maori and Pacific Islanders as to how they feel in those situations,” said People’s Choice candidate Kelly Barber.
“It’s a difficult situation but you still have to have these kinds of conversations, it’s a sign of a mature country. She’s right in representing her background and her people.
“I think the police should always have access to weapons in case they get into a situation where they’re in dire need,” he said.
“I’m not sure about carrying them around. As a 19-year-old kid (at college in the USA) I remember seeing my first cops carrying guns around and I thought ‘Crikey this is serious’.
“I don’t particularly like seeing police with weapons but then the time after the terrorist attack I was thrilled to see police with weapons, so there’s a dichotomy there. ”
Independent candidate Celeste Donovan also supported Williams.
“It is important to pay attention to communities that are disproportionately affected by what potentially would be an armed response by police.
“Unfortunately arming the police doesn’t address the root cause of crime. Arming the police doesn’t necessarily make the community safer, or make the police safer.
“It’s a bit of a blunt tool isn’t it? Arming police. There’s not a lot of nuance when you hold a gun.”
However, former Avondale Residents’ Association president Chris Cole was in favour of police being armed.
“I believe they should have sidearms. Since the earthquakes crime has increased and the policing of it has not,” he said.
“She was using the term ‘my community’ [Williams and I think that was a wee bit obtuse. She was only looking at the Maori and the Pasifika side of things. As Police Minister her responsibility is for the whole of the country.”
Christchurch resident Melva Richardson told The Star police needed to be armed.
Fred Sauer disagreed: “They’ve got access to arms but not for just wandering around.”
Said Hermione Murden: “ I think it’s so unnecessary. Police are armed in America and look at the state of things there.”
Peter Stretch said generally arming police needed to be avoided. “But we need more preventative measures to intercept crime, some of these young offenders are a bit of a problem.”
Jope Finau said: “Maybe they should be, just for overall protection in case something potentially happens.”
Scott Sparks was adamant: “Yes. Why not? They risk so much for the public. It’s fair if you’re in that risky position, otherwise it’s like sending a fireman in without breathing apparatus. People don’t mess around with cops in Australia.”
