Despite the number of armed incidents recently police should remain unarmed, the Police Commissioner says.
Mike Bush's comment comes after Pera Ariki Smiler was shot dead by police after brandishing a rifle in Upper Hutt, Wellington on Tuesday.
In a blog released today, Mr Bush said the incident highlighted the unpredictable and dangerous events police officers sometimes face.
![Mike Bush said the recent Upper Hutt incident highlighted the unpredictable and dangerous events police officers sometimes face. Photo / Mark Mitchell](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/ARXULZV5KHWVGWHJI6375UDPWA.jpg?auth=20bccfd8fdc0607a0c830fbc653a6a9d580bedb225fb86fcee062a2943c6db0c&width=16&height=12&quality=70&smart=true)
"No officer ever wants to be confronted with situations like this."