New Zealand's new Police Commissioner is keeping an open mind about arming front line staff. 

Deputy Commissioner Richard Chambers is replacing Andrew Coster - and has just returned from secondment with Interpol in France. 

He says he's worked with many jurisdictions over the years, and hopes New Zealand doesn't get the point of arming cops. 

But Chambers says policing is complex and volatile, and he'll do all he can to protect his staff. 

"I've got to keep an open mind -what do my staff need? What sort of support do they need? I think we need to get to that place as a country." 

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