Sorry that Americans not see personal weapons as an impediment. Police and Forces should be all you need to be armed.

@Mcflewster The loudest touters of the "right to bear arms' also prohibit guns at political rallies. Years ago the NRA wanted to have a convention. They looked at the Seattle convention center but decided an urban setting was too dangerous. Even they know to stay away from large groups with guns (I'll bet they don't allow armed people at their conventions).

A long time ago the Bobbies in England were not armed. Unfortunately, the 'bad' guys became armed and the police had to arm themselves for protection. It often is not enough as some time ago 4 cops sitting in a restaurant were killed from a shooter.

@JackPedigo The normal police who go out on patrol in the UK are still not armed, the Confederation of Police Officers in the UK (the Police Trade Union) have consistently voted against their members being armed. There are armed response units who are separate from the normal police who are brought in when situations require it, and firearm training is a requirement for all officers even if they don’t routinely carry guns. Those on security duty at sensitive locations such as airports or high level government buildings are now routinely armed now too, but normal officers in patrol cars are not armed, although they can be issued with arms on the orders from superior officers when the situation is deemed to require it,

@Marionville Thank you, that is excellent. Curious, are they trained in non-violent ways of dealing with situations? An article in our Seattle paper showed that female cops were better at talking out of bad situations whereas male cops want to play the macho card.

@JackPedigo they do have tasers and batons which they carry on their waist belts.