Firearms Officers.

[mike1222]

Hypothetical at this point, I know, but if the Firearms Police Officers involved in the Menezes shooting are charged with criminal offences, the rest of the trained officers could, and most probably would, hand in their "chits".

This is a real possibility/probability as they are all voluntarily in their posts and it could happen on a national scale. This would cause all sorts of security problems.

Anyone have any views on this??

[bernardo]

In answer to Ward-Minter's question: (as I thought I had made clear in my original answer) Yes, I am more afraid of being killed by trigger-happy armed police officers than by terrorists. (I thought I had made this clear in my original answer)

[Paul22118]

As this thread progresses we seem to drift off the plot. Mike asks what the consequences of the Metropolitan Police becoming effectively unarmed at a stroke on the back of a guilty verdict in the Old Bailey.

The answer is simple. Catastrophic for us all. A perceived amnesty for all gun toting hoodlums and terrorists until at an emergency cabinet meeting the PM brings in the Emergency Powers Act and we see the British Army on the streets of London.

And for you disbelievers out there it will not only be London. If those guys get shafted we, yes me and you, will be in serious doo doo.

It is possible and is probable that a huge number of authorised firearms officers in London will voluntarily hand in their authority. They can do so with no redress - it is one of the few voluntary conditions existing today.

[Ward-Minter]

bernardo, did you make that clear in your original answer. Did you make that clear in your original answer.

Trigger happy. Ermmm did you know there are more shots fired in USA EACH DAY than have EVER been shot in UK in combative police duties. (with exception of RUC)

[mike1222]

bernardo, you are entitled to your opinion no matter how weird. You obviousy have some sort of hidden agenda or axe to grind with our law enforement agencies!

[level2yob]

The armed police in th UK do an amazing job. They risk their lives on a daily basis and do not get paid any more that a PC on the beat. Paul22118 writes with regard to armed officers handing their firearms in 'catastrophic for us all' This statement is so very true, Lets not forget that firearms officers don't only deal with terrorist incidents, they deal with any report of a firearm along with many incidents of people armed with knives and other dangerous weapons.

The whole reason that all police officers are not armed is because of the brave officers of the armed response units. Lets remember that mistakes get made at the very highest levels and that these officers are highly trained individuals and not trigger happy gun toting lunatics that some people are making them out to be.

[popshardwareguns]

I want to know if the threat might have been neutralised with consent. If so, by whom and when? The cops would have felt they were dealing with an identified and deadly terrorist on a public transportation system. What actions would you have taken? Simple, just like them.

[GaryseGunsShops]

In theory, if everyone thought the decision was unfair, it could happen. doesn't want to prejudge every case.Most police officers are dedicated to catching criminals, and that dedication is reinforced when the suspect is also a police officer.

[taapoutdoors]

I agree with you, but deliberately avoid many comments because speaking inappropriately or at length about a potential lawsuit could put Answerbank and its members at risk. In my opinion, prima facie evidence must be answered, and most readers who read a good article can see it between the lines.

[SafesideTactical]

I want to know if the threat might have been neutralised with consent. If so, by whom and when? The cops would have felt they were dealing with an identified and deadly terrorist on a public transportation system. What actions would you have taken? Simple, just like them.