15 Jul 2010

Family of shooting victim urges caution on arming police

1:05 pm on 15 July 2010

The family of a man accidentally shot dead by police says only experienced and properly trained officers should get more access to guns.

The Government is considering making changes following a string of recent shootings of police officers - the latest being the wounding of two Senior Constable Bruce Lamb and Constable Mitchel Alatalo in Christchurch on Tuesday.

Halatau Naitoko, 17, was an innocent bystander when he was killed during a police operation in Auckland last year.

His mother, Ivoni Fuimaono, says she understands officers need to be safe but it's crucial they get more training.