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Police asked if they want guns on patrol
Feb 23 2003
Thousands of front line police officers have been surveyed on whether they want to carry guns.
The Police Federation has asked more than 6,500 members on whether officers should be routinely armed, Police Review magazine revealed.
Results of the first national survey in seven years to address the issue are due to be published next month.
"I expect it will be a useful guide when we re-examine our policy," said Federation chairwoman Jan Berry.
"There are enormous implications in such change.
"Just think about the logistics in respect of training, equipment and ... the huge increase in responsibility for all officers. We need to think about the whole issue very carefully."
But police organisation Protect the Protectors said a survey of just 6,500 officers was insufficient.
Last month, relatives of police officers killed in the line of duty backed the group's call for all 127,000 officers in England and Wales to be balloted.
"This is such an important issue we should be asking every serving police officer," said director Pc Norman Brennan.
Last month Home Office crime figures showed gun crime rocketed by 35% in 2002 to nearly 10,000 offences - the fourth consecutive annual rise.
It also showed criminals were using handguns in 46% more offences.
© owned by or licensed to Trinity Mirror Plc 2003