Do you think the fact that the police carry guns makes them act more aggressively or violent than they should?

Answer 1

I don't know, but if they didn't carry guns I think it most definitely would make the criminals act more aggressive and violent than they should.

Answer 2

Not always...

That is similar to asking if the Columbine shooters did not have access to guns in their homes, would they have shot up the school?...

The answer is yes there are plenty of people that have free access to firearms who never do ANYTHING illegal with them. As a matter of a fact almost all serial killers do not use firearms (with the general exception of serial snipers). How many rude violent assholes have you encountered that to your knowledge did not have a gun? I have met plenty. The reason law enforcement officers have the attitude they do is in training, they are taught that people have to respect them. If a cop pulled you over and said: "Hello sir, I am terribly sorry to bother you today but I was wondering if you took notice to the fact that you were slightly exceeding the speed limit?" would you take them seriously? No you wouldn't... the cop could give 2 shits less if you're in a hurry unless its a dire emergency. also cops deal with the constant thought that the next person they encounter may possibly shoot them in the face. As for the officers that abuse the power they are given... that is a personal choice made individually just like not all bosses are pricks and have the "I'm the boss do what I say or I'll fire your ***" attitude. I spent 3 years with a bodyguard agency and have assisted in training SWAT teams and Sniper units all over the country and yes I agree some cops are assholes but some of the people that take your order at Burger King are also, so be careful judging people from a few bad apples.

Answer 3

I think the nature of your question is misleading. Police by nature are not aggressive or violent. The fact that they carry a gun is not relevant to their actions. Police respond to the actions of people they deal with. They are only human and sometimes over react.

Answer 4

Not at all. In fact, if I had to continue to be a police officer without my gun, that would have the effect you are referring to. Why, you ask? Because without my gun, it would be much easier for someone to hurt or kill me without me having a chance in hell to defend myself. I live in the United States, and people here have the right to carry a firearm, which very many of them do. Hence, I would be much more paranoid. Being paranoid, I would be more on edge and more likely to use mace, taser, or baton with the slightest threatening move on the part of the suspect. Not saying it's right, but that's what would happen if they took away police officers guns.

Answer 5

No its there to keep the bad guys at bay as much as possible. The bad guys carry guns why cant the good guys?

Answer 6

My family has a number of police employees in it. You'd be surprised how much they hate the thought of using their weapons. Most cops don't ever fire their weapon in the line of duty, despite what you see on TV. They are in a dangerous business though and a certain bravado is needed in some situations.

Answer 7

No I do not feel that way. They carry firearms to protect the life of themselves and others. If they did not carry a weapon then they would not be able to fully protect the citizens that they serve.

Answer 8

I don't think it makes them more agressive. I think that the person being agressive makes the person agressive. The fact that they carry a gun is irrelevant. But it just might make them make the wrong choices....who knows on that.

Answer 9

I think it's when they're under stress and having a bad day that they become more hostile. You cannot always know with every cop you encounter. So in general, always act non-threatening. Certainly keep your hands visible and empty.

Answer 10

i don't think so. The gun is there for their protection, plus as cops they know that using it when not needed is a BIG NO NO and can cost them their job.