From: "IG", [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Steve
Yes, those forces and indeed most forces have dedicated armed units. The
problem is that the members of these units do more than firearms work. They
are also expected to meet 'performance indicators' by handing out speeding
tickets, HORT 1's, verbal cautions, in fact everything that every other
police officer does. If they don't, then its goodbye to the unit and back to
normal duties. Most units have a tenure of post policy thet means an officer
will spend a maximum period as an AFO on the unit, usually around 4 or 5
years. They are then moved and a brand new officer takes their place. Dont
ask me why, I dont know. Its the usual policy thing.
Most AFO's are not detectives. In fact, very few nowadays outside the Met
are detectives. Armed criminality is almost always the responsibility of the
ARV's or specialist units. (see open govt site and HMIC reports on each
force).
We are all looking at less than lethal options, and bean bags are an option.
I personally dont like the baton for a number reasons, but the bean bag
seems to have potential. The whole issue has to be looked at.
Overt arming..............yes, good idea to be able to get to weapons
quickly. However, what law allows the UK police to carry firearms overtly as
a matter of routine? S54 of the '68 act allows crown servants to possess
firearms without a certificate in the course of their duties when
requitred to do so. Is routine patroling sufficient requirement for routine
arming? If it is, should ALL officers be armed? Opinions would be welcome.
IG
--
I don't think Section 54 is remotely relevant, TBH, because as
has been pointed out it provides no exemption that applies to
Section 5 weapons anyway, and even if it didn't exist, it's only a matter
of getting a certificate from the licensing dept. and a letter
from Mr Straw.
Section 54 also says nothing about the Crown Servant requiring
the firearm, it says they are exempt, that's it.
I don't think all officers should be armed but I make the point
that all armed offenders arrested in the commission of an offence
that was not known to the police via intelligence were arrested
by unarmed officers according to the HO.
My view is that the police should ditch the MP5s and assault rifles
which scare the crap out of the public (with rare exceptions) and
learn how to use pistols. I also think that patrol officers
who operate in areas with high levels of armed crime (e.g.
Handsworth and Moss Side) should be routinely armed with
firearms.
Routinely arming all the police with guns is a waste of money
and the training levels (such as they are) would sink to almost
nothing.
Steve.
Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org
List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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