The union for police officers says officers want to be armed in the face of rising violence in the community.
The union says gun violence is now a daily occurrence for officers and the job is becoming increasingly risky.
Three officers were shot in West Auckland yesterday and another was struck by a fleeing vehicle on Sunday.
All four are in hospital.
The Police Association's president Chris Cahill told Morning Report gang members were increasingly armed and ready to shoot at officers.
He says at the same time, police are dealing with more mental distress in the community.
Cahill says officers on the front line are wearing body armour more commonly to try to protect themselves - and support being armed.
