>Date: Mon, 24 Dec 2001 20:18:31 +0000
>From: Geraint Rees <g.rees@fil.ion.ucl.ac.uk>
>Subject: Re: some U.S. observations and notes
<post snipped>
Excellent post Geraint. One additional point for those unfamiliar with UK
policing: It's important also to take into account the arming of police
forces. While the UK beat cop is unarmed, there are armed units for
dealing with crimes involving firearms e.g. armed robberies, hostage
situations etc... It is the same here.
In fact, we recently had an incident here in Ireland where a policeman was
shot and killed during what was believed to be an armed raid. It turned
out he was accidentally shot by another officer.
It would be intriguing to see if an armed police force would make any
difference to the UK statistics. My guess is it wouldn't, as those who
commit crime using firearms know they will face armed officers.
It is interesting to note that it is likely that the British (and indeed
Irish) police forces would face a massive loss of officers if weapons were
introduced as standard equipment.
James....
"If you can't take a little bloody nose, maybe you ought to go back home and
crawl under your bed. It's not safe out here. It's wondrous, with treasures
to satiate desires both subtle and gross. But it's not for the timid."
-Q, Star Trek:TNG episode 'Q Who'
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