Should our Police be Armed

[alan45]

Following the brutal murder of an unarmed policewoman in Bradford today is it now time all UK police officers were armed?

[Luna]

Yes i think they should - anyone know the reason why they aren't?? Ive always found it strange for them not to be

[Richie_lecturer]

Yes, not excessively but at least have some kind of stun-gun etc in the event of an unexpected attack.

Terrible tragedy in Bradford today. My heart goes out to the family of this Police officer who was killed doing her duty of protecting the citizens of Bradford.

Good thread. I'm sure we will have a plethora of contrasting opinions on this issue.

[alan45]

I think its ridiculous that two unarmed female officers are sent to an armed robbery. Gone are the days of Dixon of Dock Green

[Richie_lecturer]

I agree, and especially a city like Bradford, known for its fair share of problems in recent years.

I hope West Yorkshire Constabulary look into their Policing systems VERY seriously after this.

[Jessie Wallace]

I think its ridiculous that two unarmed female officers are sent to an armed robbery. Gone are the days of Dixon of Dock Green

I believe that they were un aware that it was an armed robbery, and that they were just the nearest two officers to the situation. I could be wrong, but that's what i heard on the BBC1 news last night.

[pookie1968uk]

if the criminals the police face are going to be armed then the police need to be too. how are they going to be able to confront anyone otherwise.

[lollymay]

I believe that they were un aware that it was an armed robbery, and that they were just the nearest two officers to the situation. I could be wrong, but that's what i heard on the BBC1 news last night.

yes i saw that too. my dad is in the police and it scares me to think the same thing could happen to him

[Tori]

i don't think they should- it'll lead to fatal mistakes like de menendez that was shot by armed officers

[Chloe-Elise]

I think they should,they never know what they have to deal with.

[.:SpIcYsPy:.]

No because they might like shoot an innocent person..

[Jojo]

I believe that they were un aware that it was an armed robbery, and that they were just the nearest two officers to the situation. I could be wrong, but that's what i heard on the BBC1 news last night.Exactly what my understanding of the situation was - the sad thing was that both of these police officers were probationers with only 2 years experience - had the force been aware that they were dealing with an armed robbery, there is no way they would have sent 2 unarmed officers, let alone probationers to the scene. Someone activated an alarm, which just meant for the nearest unit to go and assist, no other details were available at the time. Its very sad, but I don't think all officers should be armed, my brother in law has been in the force for years, and he doesn't feel they should either. There is no doubt in my mind that had the force been aware of the true situation, armed officers would have been deployed.

[samantha nixon]

i dont think they should all be armed as that could cause more damage, and they already have an armed police units so maybe they could get involved more

[alkalinetrio]

i dont know to be honest part of me says yes and the other part says no! maybe in certain areas they shud carry guns

[Bad Wolf]

i think society in general is becoming more dangerous- its becomming far to easy to get hold of weapon... our police do need better protection

did anyone read today that the proposed gun database that was demanded in the light of the Dunblane tragedy probably wont happen now??? thats disgusting. we should have a weapon register, it might limit the amout that the criminals get hold of

[Richie_lecturer]

Funny how banning handguns after Dunblane has only led to a rise in handgun use by 40% since the legislation came into effect nearly a decade ago. :rolleyes:

[Behemoth]

I don't think all Police Officers should carry guns round with them but I do agree with them having guns if they are sent out to a dangerous situation i.e. hostage situation.

[Bad Wolf]

its not going to happen now though, which is kind of pooing on the memory of those who died and their families

[Bryan]

i think the police should be armed

it works in america, and if a suspect gets shot then its there own fault for not complying with police rules, and they shouldnt have commited the crime if they didnt want to get shot

of course there is always the oppurntuity for missue, id say that police officers can carry a gun oif theyve been in the service for 5 years and have had appropriate training, its no good giving it to someone whos just joine and has no self control

the police forrce in the uk is a farce, no-ones afraid of them anymore, its a laugh, as in a fight a drug dealer or a violent thug would win against a police officer anyday, police need authority, and if theres the threat of a gun it may deter some criminals

[LUSHLOOKE69]

The incident in Bradford was tragic but giving all police guns would lead to more innocent people geting hurt. They should instead of giving police guns see where they are going wrong that so many people can et their hands on illegal weapons. It hasn't worked in America really as gun crime is still a big problem.

[Meh]

The irony in America is more policemen are shot with their own guns ...

[melanielovesdennisrickman]

I think that police should be armed,in a lot of other countries they are,and when something dangerous is going on,and the person commeting the crime is armed,then the police should be able to defend them selves.

[JustJodi]

I never really understood why UK never had armed police .. if the criminals have weapons so should the police.

[dddMac1]

yes i think they should be Armed

[Richie_lecturer]

The incident in Bradford was tragic but giving all police guns would lead to more innocent people geting hurt. They should instead of giving police guns see where they are going wrong that so many people can et their hands on illegal weapons. It hasn't worked in America really as gun crime is still a big problem.

I'd argue in America that if the Police weren't armed, attacks on Police would rise further than they already are.

Personally I wouldn't want all cops to bear Arms, as some may not be psychologically capable of carry a gun around, but those who can, should. I think new recruits to the Police force should also be able to handle a gun on their daily duty.

[Siobhan]

I am really on the fence with this one.. on one hand I would not like to see another police person shot but then will it make them trigger happy and cause more volience where there is an armed robbery...