Regardless of the racially charged headline... the only reason to arm police with sidearms is to make it easier for them to kill people extra-judicially. That's the only function a side arm has.

Police already have easy access to firearms in their vehicles.

Apparently 68% of police see Judge Dredd as an idol.

top 6 comments

sorted by: hot top controversial new old

[–] Fizz 3 points 1 week ago (2 children)

God rnz is such a shit outlet. Its so stupid to put headlines like this because it reinforces so many stereotypes while missing the actual reason why it's bad.

[–] Ilovethebomb 1 points 1 week ago

They copped a lot of criticism for not having enough Maori on staff, not enough Te Reo in their broadcasts etc, and I think they're overcompensating a bit.

Also, why exactly will so many Maori men be having negative interactions with the police?

[–] deadbeef79000 1 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

It's not specific to RNZ, it's a cancer in all our domestic journalism. "You need to engage the reader with the headline", a factual headline isn't 'enough' anymore.

[–] Ilovethebomb 2 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Apparently 68% of police see Judge Dredd as an idol.

How on earth did you reach that conclusion? Your thought process is fascinating.

[–] absGeekNZ 2 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Probably from this:

"In our recent survey of 2023, 68 percent of all police staff supported the general arming so it's something we'll be definitely having a conversation with the new Commissioner on,"

I believe the reference is from Dredd being empowered to arrest, convict, sentence and execute on the street. He is the due process.

I believe that our police should not be armed, beyond what they currently have. I don't really want to see an arms race with criminals.

[–] Ilovethebomb 0 points 1 week ago

So, because the police want to go from having firearms in the car and easily accessible, to carried on their person, that means they want to be able to execute people in your mind?

Okey dokey. I knew Lemmy had some cooked takes as far as policing is concerned, but I thought this instance was a bit more reasonable.