ImTriggerHappy
Supporters
- Feb 25, 2015
- 5,374
- 2,228
If you didn't actually train and join then you are no closer than anyone else.
I nearly joined the forces but at no point do I think I am in away close to a soldier.
Armed Police - Yes or No
- Thread starter Duff
- Start date
I nearly joined the forces but at no point do I think I am in away close to a soldier.
Rogerborg
Supporters
- Aug 22, 2017
- 9,190
- 6,049
"Officer"?
This is mostly a UK forum, where anyone close to being an "officer" would say "warranted constable."
But you do you.
My friend is currently a "Temporary Sergeant".
He gets a lot of stick for the temporary part.
G
Guest
Guest
My brother is a temporary adult, spends all his time at work playing on RIBS, launches, jet-ski’s and saving Navy bomb disposal experts lol
He’s driving this one
Hellfish
Members
- Jan 15, 2009
- 297
- 267
PAVA is current issue in West Yorkshire. The old CS spray was vicious stuff that had a cloud effect so everyone got a dose. PAVA only affects the subject (it works in small amount too as I "accidentally " took a hit at work ....Duff said:
clumpyedge
AF-UK patch owner
- Aug 5, 2013
- 2,216
- 579
Technically speaking pepper spray in whatever form is also classed as being armed is it not?
If you are caught with pepper spray (again in any form) its classed as carrying an offensive weapon and could land you in bother for common assault if you used it as a member of the public? So from that rationale even a police officer carrying spray is "armed" same rational would go for having an ASP...?
I'm well aware of the vast differences between firearms and sprays/batons but if you're prepared to spray someone or give their appendages a bashing (suit you sir) why not have the option of less than lethal firearms for all police (baton rounds for example)...?
If you are caught with pepper spray (again in any form) its classed as carrying an offensive weapon and could land you in bother for common assault if you used it as a member of the public? So from that rationale even a police officer carrying spray is "armed" same rational would go for having an ASP...?
I'm well aware of the vast differences between firearms and sprays/batons but if you're prepared to spray someone or give their appendages a bashing (suit you sir) why not have the option of less than lethal firearms for all police (baton rounds for example)...?
steakandpotato
Members
- Jan 14, 2018
- 256
- 2
Never heard anyone from the UK say warranted constable in my entire life
steakandpotato
Members
- Jan 14, 2018
- 256
- 2
Tbh I don't think it'd make much difference in the numbers of people applying, but I do think you'd start to attract a different type of person applying.
I do also think it'd encourage existing officers to resign.
I do also think it'd encourage existing officers to resign.
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ak2m4
Members
- Feb 23, 2014
- 1,318
- 679
About 10 years ago I got a chance to install a computerised RFID gun tagging system in 2 Police armouries where I asked a few questions. Guys there were perfectly happy with the amount of trained officers. They believed it provided the best balance. There were always 2 vehicles out on patrol in the county (Kent) which I was surprised, thought would be higher - maybe this has changed now. 1 kit truck. 1 indoor shooting range (this was lovely), 1 force armourer who tested airguns etc with a high-end chrono. very interesting work.
EDcase
AF-UK patch owner
- Jun 24, 2017
- 3,600
- 1,590
I don't think it matters what we think.
Its up to the people in the police force to decide what they want and need.
They'll probably want policy changes rather than equipment I would guess.
As has been seen in the past with armed response units, the scrutiny they're under after discharging their weapons would be enough to put anyone off and just throw their guns instead.
I respect the police for having to deal with the scum of the earth and still keep calm and civilised.
Its up to the people in the police force to decide what they want and need.
They'll probably want policy changes rather than equipment I would guess.
As has been seen in the past with armed response units, the scrutiny they're under after discharging their weapons would be enough to put anyone off and just throw their guns instead.
I respect the police for having to deal with the scum of the earth and still keep calm and civilised.
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clumpyedge
AF-UK patch owner
- Aug 5, 2013
- 2,216
- 579
I know you're partially joking but...
The one thing that really annoys me about the fluffy world we live in... as soon as a scooter rider or motorbike rider starts zooming off pursuing cars have to hold back or call off the chase full stop due to risk of life of the driver especially if the rider isn't wearing a helmet. Yet its fine for said rider to have possibly of just knocked over a jewelry shop with a machete.
Personal opinion is that the justice system is so beyond wrapping people up in cotton wool these days its hard to see where people are actually getting justice.
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Countryman
Members
- Jan 22, 2018
- 103
- 3
I think most of the food groups have been covered here already. I have been trained by and with Police Firearms Officers and can only say that they have a huge weight of responsibility in a force that will throw them to the lions if in a split second, life or death call, they make the wrong judgement.
I can fully understand why the majority of cops just aren’t interested!
My Dad did armed security overseas and always felt that because he was armed anyone attempting anything where they might come across security would also be armed. I think you would see an escalation similarly in the UK if Police were generally to be armed.
Lastly, let me say as a Firearms Instructor of some years experience, not everybody is suitable for a Firearm. Moreover, far fewer people have the ability to pull the trigger on a living target when that moment comes.
You can only hope that in that situation you behave in the way you are trained. Nobody that has not been in a life or death situation can be sure how they will perform in that moment. All the Airsoft in the world is no preparation.
I can fully understand why the majority of cops just aren’t interested!
My Dad did armed security overseas and always felt that because he was armed anyone attempting anything where they might come across security would also be armed. I think you would see an escalation similarly in the UK if Police were generally to be armed.
Lastly, let me say as a Firearms Instructor of some years experience, not everybody is suitable for a Firearm. Moreover, far fewer people have the ability to pull the trigger on a living target when that moment comes.
You can only hope that in that situation you behave in the way you are trained. Nobody that has not been in a life or death situation can be sure how they will perform in that moment. All the Airsoft in the world is no preparation.
ImTriggerHappy
Supporters
- Feb 25, 2015
- 5,374
- 2,228
Who said anything about airsofters carrying guns? Pretty sure the discussion is about trained police officers carrying guns because of the rise in violence.
Countryman
Members
- Jan 22, 2018
- 103
- 3
No one. Think you need to read my post again. Not sure how it could be miscontrue.
Big difference in playing airsoft to having your life on the line and having to make a life or death decision. Ultimely this is a decision for the police and individual officers.
ImTriggerHappy
Supporters
- Feb 25, 2015
- 5,374
- 2,228
No I read it right and again in your response you bought up airsoft which has no relevance to this thread.
It is general discussion nothing more.
Countryman
Members
- Jan 22, 2018
- 103
- 3
Yes sure thats why its in the General Discussion category. A general discussion, on an issue ultimately to be decided on an individual Officer basis, who themselves would be forced to make a life or death decision, which experience of airsoft does not give anyone any peculiar insight into.
Countryman
Members
- Jan 22, 2018
- 103
- 3
Hi Duff
I have no issue with any Airsofter wanting to own a Firearm. Actually to the contrary, find a club, get trained and enjoy! At that point though there becomes a very real line between a real firearm and playing a skirmish.
I do think there is a potential for people who skirmish to think they have some kind of empathy with people who do this stuff for real and Ive seen in the past that people can become quite Gung Ho over potential violence. The reality of the situation is some kid with a plastic gun (like above), or some desparate bloke, drunk or high and unable to deal with the breakup of a relationship threatening himself or anyone that comes near with a knife. In the USA both of those situations have ended up with fatalities. In the UK both of those situations have ended up with the perpetrator being arrested alive and getting the help they need.
There is a time that peace has to be established by people skilled in violence. I'm just glad that in the UK thats in the hands of a public servent who doesnt feel its needed day to day and can call "highly trained" people when the need arises. (Dont get me started on training gaffs here)
I do rue the fact that we dont have 100,000 armed police to secure London like the French did after Charlie Hebdo. Its just not possible with the 2500 authorised firearms officers available to London.
I have no issue with any Airsofter wanting to own a Firearm. Actually to the contrary, find a club, get trained and enjoy! At that point though there becomes a very real line between a real firearm and playing a skirmish.
I do think there is a potential for people who skirmish to think they have some kind of empathy with people who do this stuff for real and Ive seen in the past that people can become quite Gung Ho over potential violence. The reality of the situation is some kid with a plastic gun (like above), or some desparate bloke, drunk or high and unable to deal with the breakup of a relationship threatening himself or anyone that comes near with a knife. In the USA both of those situations have ended up with fatalities. In the UK both of those situations have ended up with the perpetrator being arrested alive and getting the help they need.
There is a time that peace has to be established by people skilled in violence. I'm just glad that in the UK thats in the hands of a public servent who doesnt feel its needed day to day and can call "highly trained" people when the need arises. (Dont get me started on training gaffs here)
I do rue the fact that we dont have 100,000 armed police to secure London like the French did after Charlie Hebdo. Its just not possible with the 2500 authorised firearms officers available to London.
- Thread starter
- #39
As I said this thread is about arming the UK police force, not big kids with a penchant for playing soldiers.
Thanks for your opinion on that but feel free to start an alternative thread to discuss it further.
Alluding to your comment that guns cause deaths of potential suspects, a guy recently walked into a travel agents and sliced off the head of his ex gf then sat calmly waiting for the police. It isn't so cut and dry, it's always situational.
Thanks for your opinion on that but feel free to start an alternative thread to discuss it further.
Alluding to your comment that guns cause deaths of potential suspects, a guy recently walked into a travel agents and sliced off the head of his ex gf then sat calmly waiting for the police. It isn't so cut and dry, it's always situational.
Countryman
Members
- Jan 22, 2018
- 103
- 3
How so? Only if an armed officer was immediately present and could have stopped the assailant could this have ended differently. As he sat there quietly to be arrested there was no need for an armed officer.
Sure there are times when they are needed but does that mean you want your local bobby/ traffic officer armed?
Sure there are times when they are needed but does that mean you want your local bobby/ traffic officer armed?
