Readers’ views

The do gooders who are against arming our police have no idea what it’s like to face today’s dangers. Talking nicely to these people holding a taser doesn’t work.

— Former police officer

I agree we don’t need to be armed, the evidence from other police organisations the world over is gun violence escalates the more we arm ourselves.

—Frontline police officer in Ōtāhuhu

Poto Williams has no idea what the climate is on our streets. I am Māori and 100% support the arming of police.

— Allen McKinley

As someone of Pacific heritage living in South Auckland, I am offended by her justifying this decision by lumping it on our community . . . Don’t hide behind us.

— Mat L

It has been categorically shown that countries with unarmed general police and strict gun laws with good gun register systems have the lowest gun violence and are generally safer and friendlier societies. Don’t do it.

— Dee R