UPDATED 6:27am: It's predicted that the restricted access our police force has to guns, will eventually cost lives.

Judith Collins has reignited the gun debate, arguing that the spike in domestic violence callouts at this time of year puts police in danger, and they need better access to firearms.

Police Association president Greg O'Connor agrees the most dangerous situations are daily events like domestic violence callouts

He says it's difficult to control the situation without access to guns.

Mr O'Connor says unknown risks can quickly spiral, and he believes it could eventually cost the life of officers, or even members of the public.

But Labour's police spokesperson Kelvin Davis disagrees.

He says if a situation starts getting tense, a better option is to withdraw and call for backup.

Mr Davis says that's better than waving guns in people's faces.