The Police Association says radio problems highlighted in the trial of a man charged with shooting an officer show a better system is needed.
Neshanderan Rajgopaul is before the High Court in Auckland charged with attempting to murder Constable Jeremy Snow in 2009.
Constable Snow was shot while he and a fellow officer were checking on a stolen car in Papatoetoe.
Constable Robert Cato told the court on Wednesday that a priority transmission he made from the scene was not received because a communications operator was giving a long-winded description to a senior sergeant.
Police Association president Greg O'Connor told Morning Report newer technology is needed.
He says the communications centres can use a button to override calls and the same system should be available on officers' handheld radios.
Retired Detective Inspector Graham Bell says the situation can not be allowed to happen again.
