Armed Officers is 'Something Brits Will Have to Get Used to' - Specialist

Sputnik: In your view, how necessary is this measure to arm more officers?

David Lowe: I don’t think that increasing the number of armed officers, having every officer routinely armed, is the right path to go down. Obviously, to carry firearms is a greater risk, but armed response vehicles on patrol may be increasing in areas where terrorist attacks are likely. [We need] to increase the number of specialized armed units.

Sputnik: The move focuses on a small number of units. Is it likely that we’ll see a higher number of armed British  officers in the near future?

David Lowe: I think this is something Brits will have to get used to in the future. Years ago when armed officers started routinely patrolling airports, first it was a bit of a shock, but I think this is something that you will get used to seeing. One important aspect of policing in the UK is that it is not government-led;, it’s still local police forces.

Sputnik: How do you think this measure will impact the terror threat that exists in the country? 

READ MORE: UK Police Chiefs Consider Arming Officers in Rural Areas to Combat Terrorists

David Lowe: Some who are determined to carry out a terrorist attack, those to whom their own life is not important in a sense that they are prepared to carry out a terror attack and lose their life. […] As you said, armed police officers will not stop [terrorists from attacking], but I think this will certainly give people the peace of mind and a sense of a far quicker response.

The views expressed in this article are solely those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Sputnik.