Should the British police be armed if yes explain why if no give your reasons?

Question

a question that will soon be made for us due to all the asylum seekers that only know violence, guns and robberies.That has been there way of life for years i.e Somallia

A good example is the Murder of a Police Woman Sharon Beshenivsky.

Sharon gave her life to protect others What do we owe as a society to her and her family.

The convicted Scum bags will walk free in approx 15 REGARDLESS of what the judge states in court.

Answer 1

I never understood why British policemen weren't armed... Where I come from, they ARE armed and it simply isn't an issue.
The sad nonsense of it all! Why should anyone be expected to do such a dangerous job unarmed!? Crazy brits.

Answer 2

I applaud the Brit's guts on this issue but at the same time I must question their sanity.

I mean no offense but I could never understand how anyone charged with enforcing the law could do so if they were compelled to start the process from a position of weakness. To say that a criminal will obey the law is to say they are not criminals. By definition a criminal does break the law and that includes shooting first and killing if they want to. Another thing to consider is your police don't have to brandish their arms while helping school children across the street. In other words, they can carry them in a concealed manner. But, should that once in a career catastrophe occur, I would want my protector to have the means to do his/her job and that means apply lethal force if necessary.

I know and have known several law enforcement people in the USA. None of those I know take any pleasure in drawing a firearm. It is not unusual for them to go for years and years without using a weapon. In fact I know two retired cops who were never forced to even touch there sidearm during their whole career (that is aside from cleaning, maintenance proficiency training).

As an American who has never been fortunate enough to see your country, my opinion comes from a totally different perspective than yours. I say that because I want you to consider my opinions as those of someone who is essentially ignorant to your particular situation. I did my best to stay on track, but I encourage you to discard my thoughts if you feel they are from an unduly biased position.

I really hope that helps a bit. I just want you to consider the WHOLE issue. Unfortunately I can only give you my side of the argument.

Good luck on what ever you decide. I don't envy you the task that lies ahead, anytime one considers breaking with tradition the stress can be considerable...

Answer 3

I don't think they should have a gun as in the case of Jean Charles de Menezes the police obviously weren't trained on correctly identifying the criminal and seemed IMO to use the gun like a child would use a new toy. The police also get bullet proof gear to wear, it was just very unfortunate that Sharon Beshenivsky was killed. I think there should be specially trained officers who should be allowed to carry a weapon and they should be sent in the case of armed robbery etc..

Answer 4

No.

Firstly - look how many cops die from being shot in America compared to Britain. Then look how many are shot by colleagues in confusion.

There are some criminals that will not be put off by armed Police. In fact, they'll consider the risk of confronting armed Police and will just arm themselves.

Drug barons, organised criminal gangs, the underworld, Yardies etc. etc. If they see a Police officer, they won't wait to see what happens, they'll just gun the Police down to save themselves!!

We'll have ten times the number of deaths from firearms. All the facts prove it.

Answer 5

You ask a very good question, but I feel there is no easy reply.

If we arm all our police, it may lead to criminals carrying and using firearms more often, but it could also act as a deterrent for less violent crimes.

It is my opinion that giving our police firearms, will not reduce the risk to the police or the general public.

We should however ensure more police on our streets, and the support of armed officers within minutes if required.

This should lead to better protection for the public, and would not lead to accidental killing of innocent people.

Answer 6

Although very sad about Sharon's death I still think that Police Officers should not carry guns.
How many deaths in custody without explanation or no one being charged,
What about the man shot 6 times in the London Tube.
What about the man who was shot in the middle of London whilst driving his car.
What about the man who was shot for carrying a chair leg.
I spoke to aW.M police officer with 18 years service who said that 80% of officers in his station should not be in the job.
The day they say they are arming all Police officers is the day I go out on the street setting up petitions against it.
Because someone wears a police uniform doesn't make them
honest and impartial.

Answer 7

Violent crime increases as societies disarm normal people, leaving only illegal arms on the streets.

My take is an armed society is a polite one. Britain needs to repeal the Hand Gun control.

Read John Lott Ph.D's Book
"More Guns, Less Crime"

Cops should be armed but so should citizens. Armed citizens are the safeguard against tyranny.

Answer 8

Yes, reason because terrorists and criminals are.
I have no worries when I see a policeman armed at the airport etc.
It gives me a sense of security.
It's the way of the world in the 21st. Century.
To all those who say NO, visit earth once in a while, it helps..What do you want a cop to do when his/her life is under threat or a member of the Public?
"Truncheons or peashooters out Lads, He's got an AK47!"

Answer 9

This question should be directed at the police themselves. The majority of serving police officers in UK do not want to go armed. They do however want armed backup on standby.

I am against the police being armed on our streets but am entirely satisfied with armed response units [the backup].

Answer 10

Very few police officers get shot. when they do, its naturally very high profile and upsetting, however i do not think there is enough of a gun problem (aimed at police) to warrant police officers carrying guns. It is questionable whether pc beshenivsky and her colleague should have been sent to the incident that resulted in such tragedy - finally, do the police want to carry guns? i believe not, but i might be wrong.