Fears the latest spate of gun violence is the tip of the iceberg

While gang clashes have flared up in Auckland and Christchurch -- a Police pursuit in Manawatu on Monday night ended in officers dodging bullets.

The Sensible Sentencing Trust wants Police to be armed, and joins the call for tougher sentences for those who attack, shoot at or kill cops.

Co-leader Darroch Ball says Police need to be able to protect themselves.

He claims the respect for the uniform has gone, given that 30 years ago, no one would ever think about laying a finger on an officer.

However, Police statistics don't back up that statement.

Last month, Diane Hunt -- the mother of Constable Matthew Hunt who was fatally shot in June -- presented a petition to Parliament calling for a life sentence without parole for anyone convicted of murdering a police officer.