Threat level down to ‘medium’

New Zealand’s terror threat level has been downgraded to medium, a little more than a month after the Christchurch terror attack.

Medium is defined as ‘‘a terrorist attack is assessed as feasible and could well occur’’. The downgrade means police will no longer routinely carry firearms.

The terror threat level was lifted to ‘‘high’’ for the first time in the country’s history, in the immediate aftermath of the attack at two Christchurch mosques, where 50 worshipping Muslims were gunned down mid-prayer.

The threat level is reviewed constantly, by a multi-agency group called the Combined Threat Assessment Group. That group has decided the risk has subsided, however, there is still a higher-than-normal possibility of another attack occurring. The new level remains higher than it was before the March 15 attack.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said New Zealanders’ safety was the ‘‘highest priority’’.

‘‘Following review and peer review of the current threat environment CTAG have concluded this change accurately reflects our current status,’’ she said. ‘‘While the threat level has been revised to medium . . . people will continue to notice a clear police presence at public events, including on Anzac Day.’’

Police Commissioner Mike Bush said the threat level downgrade meant most frontline officers would no longer need to be armed.

‘‘I have previously stated that Police would reassess its current position regarding the arming of frontline staff based on our risk environment . . .

‘‘Generally, this means frontline staff will transition back to our normal approach regarding carriage and access to firearms.

‘‘You may still see some frontline staff continue to carry firearms on a case-by-case basis.’’

The ‘‘phased transition’’ back to the original policy would focus on assessments of specific locations and events, Bush said.

‘‘We will still maintain our tactical capability to respond to incidents as required. However, the public can now expect to see fewer police officers routinely carrying firearms.

‘‘I stress that if you do see a police officer carrying a firearm, it does not mean there is a specific threat to the public.’’

Police had consulted mosques and Islamic centres about ongoing security measures, but details of those talks would be kept private.

The public should remain vigilant, and report any suspicious or concerning behaviour to police.

The public can now expect to see fewer police officers routinely carrying firearms.

Mike Bush