Police agree they should be armed - but not with guns.

A Research New Zealand survey claims 50 percent of New Zealander support the idea of frontline police officers carrying guns.

Police Association President Greg O'Connor says police are already able to draw firearms when needed, but on a day to day basis he believes they should be carrying Tasers.

Mr O'Connor says besides the personal burden of having to shoot someone with a firearm, there is always a huge amount of scrutiny when it does happen. He says Tasers would make a real difference to the safety of the public, police and even offenders themselves.