Oh FFS.
Regardless of the racially charged headline… the only reason to arm police with sidearms is to make it easier for them to kill people extra-judicially. That’s the only function a side arm has.
Police already have easy access to firearms in their vehicles.
Apparently 68% of police see Judge Dredd as an idol.
They copped a lot of criticism for not having enough Maori on staff, not enough Te Reo in their broadcasts etc, and I think they’re overcompensating a bit.
Also, why exactly will so many Maori men be having negative interactions with the police?