Reference: IR-01-18-14114
27 November 2018
Mr J Stewart
[FYI request #8907 email]
Dear Mr Stewart
I refer to the email of 19 October 2018 which you sent to Police regarding health and
safety relating to Police use of firearms. Your request was made pursuant to the Official
Information Act 1982, and specifically stated:
1. My request is for any/all documents that the New Zealand Police have which
cover their Health and Safety assessment of why Police Officers are NOT
routinely armed.
2. I also request an outline of any firearms testing a Police Officer is required to
undergo and how many live rounds a Police Officer will fire during training each
year.
My response is as follows:
1. My request is for any/all documents that the New Zealand Police have which
cover their Health and Safety assessment of why Police Officers are NOT
routinely armed.
Police do not hold any such documentation. The question, and decision as to New
Zealand Police being routinely armed, is ultimately that of the Commissioner. There are
no specific documents that address this question.
As such, I decline this request under section 18(e) of the Official Information Act 1982 in
that this information does not exist.
2. I also request an outline of any firearms testing a Police Officer is required to
undergo and how many live rounds a Police Officer will fire during training each
year.
With regard to training, a Police recruit is required to undergo a nine day initial training
and qualification programme in which each recruit will fire 250 rounds from each
weapon (these are a Glock and an M4 Bushmaster). This number may vary by 10-15
rounds per person, depending on the progress of the recruits.
A level one responder constabulary staff member will undertake firearm training
annually.
This is a full day of training which is the assessment, i.e. all aspects of the shoot make up
the assessment.
Pass mark From the start of the day’s training, all trainees are assessed on their overall ability. To
be counted as valid, shots fired are required to hit within the score zone of the target
being used (this is either a silhouette or Gatfield). If trainees fall below the 80% pass
mark, they will require a second attempt.
Overall competency If the instructor is of the opinion that a trainee is struggling with drills, torch control,
shooting ability, or a lack of confidence, then serious consideration needs to be given to
that individual’s competency.
If a trainee is deemed ‘Not Yet Competent’, remedial training will be required to up-skill
them.
A Police Officer will fire 33 live rounds of a Glock, and 37 rounds of an M4 Bushmaster
during training each year.
You have the right, under section 28(3) of the Official Information Act 1982, to ask the
Ombudsman to review my decision if you are not satisfied with the way I have
responded to your request.
Yours sincerely
Superintendent Chris Scahill
National Manager: Response and Operations