Arming British Police ???

[David]

In light of these recent terror attacks in London, are there any plans to issue firearms to the average UK police officer?

If I recall correctly, I read that only about 10% of British cops are currently armed, and that they have Armed Special Units that can be called in if needed.

If would seem only common sense to arm all UK police officers, right?

:banghead: :banghead:

And while they are at it, what about allowing law-abiding UK citizens to CCW as well?

 

[HankB]

I heard that a significant number of armed members of their special units started refusing to carry guns after one of their own was hung out to dry by the powers-that-be after an officer involved shooting.

 

[Kamicosmos]

When I lived in London in 2002, I saw many cops armed with Glocks. And they weren't special units either. At Heathrow, I saw cops armed with body armor and MP5s. They were probably special units, they looked just like our SWAT guys.

But, from what I saw, the legendary unarmed British Policeman is quickly turning into just that. A legend.

 

[Elmer]

And while they are at it, what about allowing law-abiding UK citizens to CCW as well?

 

[TarpleyG]

Aside from the fact that cops should be armed anyway...why in the blue blazes do you think that arming them in light of the current bombings is a suggestion worth squat? That's akin to all the idiots that ran out and bought pistols after September 11, 2001. What is a handgun, or rifle for that matter, going to do to stop or deter this type of crime?

Greg

 

[phoglund]

I have to agree with Kamicosmos, I was in London about 6 weeks ago and saw lots of sidearms on the local constibulary.

 

[Universal]

I got this directly from a cop in London. There are only a few hundred armed police officers in London and they all belong to special units. The regular beat cops do not carry any sort of firearms. The airport cops all carry as well as some special Armed Response units. I believe she told me that it comes out to about 10% or less of the entire department being armed. The issued weapon is a the GLOCK 17 and the MP5 semi-auto only.