American Samoa's Public Safety Commissioner, Tuaolo Fruean says consideration should be given to arming police officers.
He says police officers should he authorized to carry weapons for their protection.
He made the comment after a man assaulted two female police officers, responding to a public peace disturbance call, with a hammer.
The officers required medical treatment for their injuries and were released from the Emergency Room several hours later.
Tuaolo said it was the recommendation of federal agents who gave weapons training for police that local officers be armed.
He says he intends to raise the issue with governor Togiola Tulafono.
