Guns into police cars
October 14th, 2011 at 7:26 am by David FarrarStuff reports:
A project to make firearms more readily available to frontline police is a step towards “general arming”, the Police Association says.
The project will see existing stocks of Glock pistols and Bushmaster rifles moved from storage in police stations to response vehicles.
Police Association representative Craig Prior, of Christchurch, said the project was a “step forward”.
“It’s a natural progression to what we would prefer – general arming at some stage in the future,” he said.
Prior said the move would make policing safer.
“It gives a tactical option which most officers don’t have access to. They’re entitled to use firearms and trained and qualified to do so, but now they will have access to them should the need arise, which is a good thing,” he said.
Superintendent John Rivers said the project was not a step towards arming all police.
“It doesn’t involve a substantial purchase of assets and it’s certainly not a step towards general arming,” he said.
While the move to have firearms available in cars is a logical one, I think it would be a very sad day if we ever had the Police generally armed. I also think it would be a sensible idea to increase the amount of firearms training non-AOS officers have, if the probability of them using firearms increases.
October 14th, 2011 at 7:32 am
Fucking Greg O’Connor isn’t going to be happy until we live in a complete police state. That guy creeps me the fuck out.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 7:39 am
I’d like to see the honest civilian and taxpayer armed, but I’d rather not the police was armed. I realise it’s a pilot, but does NZ really need this?
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 7:56 am
It is worth noting that rural cops have carried guns in gun safes in their vehicles for many years. So in a way it is merely an extension of that practice to urban areas. AFAIK cops have to contact ‘communications’ before arming themselves, dire emergencies excepted.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 8:08 am
More people will be shot. So O’Connor calls for more police with firearms. That man will not be happy until we have civil war on the streets with guns everywhere.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 8:08 am
@somewhatsilly
That again in English?…. and with logic
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 8:10 am
Yea
Vote:The Australian cops carry guns
There are hundreds of shootings a day… no wait
October 14th, 2011 at 8:10 am
Greg O’Connor and the Police Union – the only unionist and union the left dont love.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 8:27 am
The Greens will be happy, they hate the police using tasers.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 8:31 am
I wish we would stop trying to appease all the hand wringers out there. Just bloody well issue every cop with a hand gun that they can wear on their hip and be done with it.
If a few low life end up being shot then who really gives a toss.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 8:38 am
I’m okay with the handgun in the car, but not with the carbine.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bushmaster_M4_Type_Carbine
Also any incident in which a firearm was discharged by an officer or perp must be investigated by an independent authority for reasons of impartiality and for public peace of mind.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 8:45 am
Of course they should carry arms in their cars. (Don’t all I-Cars carry them already?) And all Police should highly trained so they can use them proficiently and accurately as / when required.
Its about time that the message went out to criminals that the Police are about to even up the game.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 8:45 am
big bruv says:- “Just bloody well issue every cop with a hand gun that they can wear on their hip and be done with it.”
What a surprise. And he’s supported by the idiot Elaycee. Lol. Raise the ante and watch the crims meet the new standard. ~What an smart idea~. American cops carry side arms. ~Great idea~
http://www.nationmaster.com/compare/New-Zealand/United-States/Crime
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 8:57 am
And before the morons and the bleeding hearts surface, lets remember that the criminals are armed already. They’re not holding up premises with a cardboard cut out.
This proposal is about putting the Police on equal terms. And giving them the chance to defend themselves against armed scum.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 9:09 am
There is no reason why the police should not be armed, including sidearms. The escalation theory rests on a lot of false assumptions and dubious comparisons, and the fact is the crims are already armed.
I agree with DPF though that there needs to be a strong focus on training and proficiency.
We have had decades of this bleeding heart liberal crap, and it has not worked.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 9:16 am
…………. re Scott Chris @ 8.38
Vote:You are against the carbine but ok with the handgun.
What’s the logic there ?
Is this the same argument as advocating shooting in the leg first. Versus the idea that once shooting is decided on it needs to be effective. Shoot to kill.
October 14th, 2011 at 9:16 am
Yay, Police will be armed.
I’m still of the oppinion that if you are stupid enough to confront the cops to the point where they draw their weapons, you deserve to be shot.
In HK all cops are armed and population is much bigger then NZ. No shootings pretty much ever. HMMMMMmmm…. same police, more or less same guns, maybe the problem is not the guns but the inbreading on this poor island’s population.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 9:22 am
Lee says:- “There is no reason why the police should not be armed, including sidearms.”
What?? Research please.
Quote from AUT Senior Lecturer in Criminology Dr.John Buttle
It is quickly forgotten that the best protection that officers have is:
(1) their ability to communicate and
(2) their membership of a humane law enforcement organisation with a good reputation.
http://www.rethinking.org.nz/assets/Newsletter_pdf/Issue_82/THE%20CASE%20AGAINST%20ARMING%20THE%20NEW%20ZEALAND%20POLICE.pdf
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 9:24 am
There are many similar examples. Its interesting that liberal apologists for criminals always conveiantly ignore those and rant about the USA, also ignoring the facts about crime and its causes there.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 9:26 am
KH – “You are against the carbine but ok with the handgun.”
Lower level of lethality, but cops are entitled to some protection. Unless at close range, the handgun is unlikely to be deadly.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 9:27 am
Its an opinion. I don’t have to provide you with anything merely because you petulantly demand it. “Research” can be made to say anything you want.
Ah yes, the AUT, that bastion of armchair radical Marxism.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 9:29 am
Lee claims:- “In HK all cops are armed and population is much bigger then NZ.”
You just wrote that, and Hong Kong is not an equivalent society. Relevant comparison and source please.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 9:33 am
Jeez Wayne !!! Bloody armchair critics who sleep safe in their beds at night and in a life time the only danger they face is breaking a fingernail unwrapping their morning newspaper.
Spare a thought for the poor old copper facing bloody nutters. The Criminals are armed now so why not at least give the cops an even chance to defend themselves and you.
I have been to Aussie a few times and never tripped over bodies of people shot by their armed Police.
Get real.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 9:35 am
Lee claims:- “Ah yes, the AUT, that bastion of armchair radical Marxism.”
Another unsubstantiated claim Lee. I thought you would be interested in researching your ideas rather than just shooting from the hip like a nazi cop in a military state dealing out summary justice
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 9:36 am
Neither is the USA.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 9:36 am
Lee did not claim “In HK all cops are armed and population is much bigger then NZ.”
I did
An the fact that the societies are not the same, is teh crux of my argument. In HK people respect authority and don’t fuck with cops. In NZ it seems to be a Saturday night passtime.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 9:37 am
Some things are just bloody obvious. Well, unless your a Liberal.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 9:41 am
Because they live in a society that respects authority, and is based on family and hard work.
We on the other hand live in a society filled with Liberals, lazy Maori crims who think they are automatically entitled due to their skin colour, Liberals, Hippies elected into Parliament, Liberals, Chardonnay Socialists, Liberals, Unionists, Liberals, Apologists for criminals, Liberals, advocates of special rights for the morally perverted and sick. Oh and did I mention Liberals?
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 9:43 am
“I also think it would be a sensible idea to increase the amount of firearms training non-AOS officers have”
By all accounts we should first be increasing the amount of training that AOS members receive. Starting with weeding out those who can’t hit what they’re aiming at from 20 feet away.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 9:44 am
Well, I’ve had my say, so I’ll leave it at that. Perhaps Lee and all your gun totin’ redneck buddies might like to seek a little *expert* opinion.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 9:48 am
You mean some diseased in the head Liberal crime apologist? No thanks, I’m done listening to or playing nice with traitors, cowards, sickos, perverts, homo child abusers, aplogists for baby torturers, pacifists, socialists, liberals, and all the rest of the filth that infects our once great nation.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 9:48 am
“We on the other hand live in a society filled with Liberals, lazy Maori crims who think they are automatically entitled due to their skin colour, Liberals, Hippies elected into Parliament, Liberals, Chardonnay Socialists, Liberals, Unionists, Liberals, Apologists for criminals, Liberals, advocates of special rights for the morally perverted and sick. Oh and did I mention Liberals?”
So Really police have a much harde rjob then in HK and hsould not only be armed with guns, but also tanks, and Police dogs need lazer beams coming out of their mouth. Agreed!
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 10:05 am
Bugger the criminals. What about actually doing something about protecting the very people who are serving the communities and keeping them safe on our behalf?
If we expect the Police to attend scenes of violent and armed crime, we need to give them the appropriate tools for them to both defend themselves and to also take the armed criminals down and out if required.
And if that means that they keep more firearms in their cars and that they are all trained to use them proficiently, then so be it.
If you’re a law abiding citizen, chances are you won’t have a gun drawn and pointed at you by the Police any time soon.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 10:11 am
# Scott Chris (2,116) Says:
October 14th, 2011 at 9:44 am
Well, I’ve had my say, so I’ll leave it at that. Perhaps Lee and all your gun totin’ redneck buddies might like to seek a little *expert* opinion.
whoop de whooo – we’ve had that for the last 20 odd years and where has it got us, alongside your lefty friends in parliament.
worse off and the crims get treated softly softly.
Thank God for garret and his 3 strikes law, at least we are heading in the right direction.
NAH sod your evidence.
Vote:Arm the police but make sure they shoot weekly and do annual firearms 6 monthly.
also have an independent investigation (not the police or ex police).
October 14th, 2011 at 10:12 am
Oconnor is fucking mad if he believes policing can be done by force among the general population in NZ.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 10:12 am
If you’re a law abiding citizen, chances are you won’t have a gun drawn and pointed at you by the Police any time soon.
so what it is better than any old member of public doing so.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 10:20 am
Elaycee , wrong, ask those horis who had nothing to do with playing around with self loading rifles and molotov cocktails .
Vote:Did the coppers get on a bus full of kids with weapons locked and loaded ?
October 14th, 2011 at 10:32 am
The crims have them therefore the police should as well has always seemed to be a pretty worthless argument. After all, the crims have had access to weapons for decades, and it’s not as if access has suddenly become easier. In addition, crime rates are (according to the government) on the way down, including violent crime.
If frontline police have asked for this, and there is clear evidence that, should guns be available in the vehicle, that police and the public will be safer, then I don’t have an issue with it, assuming safeguards are put in place (training, adequate procedures around the storage and use of the weapon, robust procedures for ensuring that all uses are appropriate etc.) I believe in many rural areas this is already the case and certainly makes sense from a logistics point of view.
It’ll be interesting to see what the reaction (if any) is from police.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 10:48 am
Big whoop, Elaycee is correct guns were already deployed in some police incident response and team police unit vehicles since the mid 1990s at least and possibly earlier.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 10:58 am
Mick Mack says:- “If you’re a law abiding citizen, chances are you won’t have a gun drawn and pointed at you by the Police any time soon.”
A couple of years ago whilst living up North of Auckland, I had a dispute with a neighbour over him continually allowing his cattle to escape onto my land, damaging young natives and fruit trees. I told him to keep his fucking cattle off my property or I’d fucking shoot them. He rang the cops.
Local redneck cop turns up with a fucking carbine and nearly shoots my dog who was barking as all dogs do. Claims that the neighbour said I threatened to shoot him.
Fucking liar. Made a complaint. Turns out that dispatch had said I had threatened to shoot the wandering cattle, which I am entitled to do. Result of the complaint?
Nothing. Cops wonder why people hate them. Bah.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 11:08 am
@grumpyoldhori – I’m sure we will get to know most of the facts about the Urawera raids as they emerge during the trials of the remaining accused – at the moment, we know little (apart from the ‘timely releases’ from vested interest parties).
But the AOS carries drawn weapons, so its logical that, if they searched a bus then they would have them in a ‘ready’ position as they got on board.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 11:15 am
Richard Neville and the family of Halatau Naitoko are law abiding citizens who may have a different opinion.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 12:24 pm
Everyone frets over the police, but noone worries about the MFish officers who face off against violent gang affiliated crims in remote areas with only a torch and a choke hold for protection. Those guys should at least be allowed mace but the PSA is silent of their very dangerous work environment for some reason and the Ministry tell them not to publically complain. There is a tragedy waiting to happen there.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 12:36 pm
@joe90: Yes, the Halatau Naitoku killing was a tragedy. All because the Police had to chase an armed druggie.
But perhaps you have forgotten these tragedies – all Police Officers killed in action:
http://www.crime.co.nz/c-files.aspx?ID=10285
Count them…..
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 12:37 pm
Lee01 @ 9.41am “We on the other hand live in a society filled with Liberals, lazy Maori crims who think they are automatically entitled due to their skin colour, Liberals, Hippies elected into Parliament, Liberals, Chardonnay Socialists, Liberals, Unionists, Liberals, Apologists for criminals, Liberals, advocates of special rights for the morally perverted and sick. Oh and did I mention Liberals?”
Lee01 @9.48am “You mean some diseased in the head Liberal crime apologist? No thanks, I’m done listening to or playing nice with traitors, cowards, sickos, perverts, homo child abusers, aplogists for baby torturers, pacifists, socialists, liberals, and all the rest of the filth that infects our once great nation.”
Ye gods – he’s losing it. Get some help before it’s too late!
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 12:42 pm
Great stuff, this is where the firearms actually belong, fuck tazers they just give the scum the opportunity to re offend, now all we have to do is start backing up the cops when they start giving a few of the scumbags a lead injection.
If some of the shit that walks our streets was put down permanently then the other dumb fucks that get taught by example may reconsider their actions, you would only have to drop a few with a bullet before even the thickest would learn.
The other benefit would be less clogging in the justice and courts system, and the welfare line would be reduced, three problems solved with one pull of the trigger, and inexpensive as well, a win win for all.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 12:44 pm
@scott chris
So anyone that disagrees with you is a redneck?
Labels are next best thing to an argument I suppose.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 12:51 pm
Police carrying guns in general in New Zealand would be a tragedy. It should not happen unless there is an overwhelming need. From what I understand most police killings in the states are with their own weapons. More people will definitely be shot. New Zealand has never had police toting pistols, it doesn’t make sense given that violent crime and other crime is falling. Police have a delicate reputation as it is without being provided handguns.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 12:54 pm
Come come Lance, Scott Chris is now well known in his own mind,as the font of all knowledge & oracle of Kiwiblog.
After all, 2100+ comments in a very very short space of time cannot be ignored.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 1:05 pm
I fail to see how anyone including liberals or people like Scott Chris could have a problem with this.
It doesn’t change when cops can use guns.
It simply changes the speed in which they can arm themselves when required to protect themselves or us.
At present, say if there was a nutter with a shotgun walking down the main street of onehunga taking pot shots at people, and at the time there was a patrol car in the area, in the current situation those cops in the car would have to retreat, wait for a Sergeant to drive all the way to their location which could take a while, arm themselves, and only then after some 15+ minutes have passed be able to confront the fore mentioned nutbar who by now has probably killed a few people.
Or another situation is the shooting of the cop in South Auckland who was laying bleeding to death on a driveway because his colleagues had to wait precious minutes before a Sergeant turned up to arm them.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 1:05 pm
Lance
I think calling people who are pro police state “a redneck” is litotes. I have my reasons. See my 10.58 comment.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 1:07 pm
Sup Lofty. You just helped my chalk up another. Ka ching. How’s the old chip on the shoulder?
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 1:11 pm
That’s not litotes. Fail.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 1:14 pm
Wow
The searing logic of people saying that police should be able to defend themselves with firearms is the same as advocating a police state?
FAIL
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 1:15 pm
Classic. All the maritime disaster experts are also law enforcement experts.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 1:15 pm
Maybe the police should be armed with taiahas instead of guns so they can deal with their traditional enemies.
Regular training would only consist of eye rolling and tongue poking in front of a mirror, much cheaper than buying ammo and hiring a firing range.
To appease folks like Grumpy the taiahas could be modified so bayonets could be fixed if required.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 1:20 pm
Dexter says:- “I fail to see how anyone including liberals or people like Scott Chris could have a problem with this.”
Tell me this if you will. How serious is gun crime in this country?
And in recent shootings of police, how would having had a side arm have helped them?
I repeat:
It is quickly forgotten that the best protection that officers have is:
(1) their ability to communicate and
Vote:(2) their membership of a humane law enforcement organisation with a good reputation.
October 14th, 2011 at 1:24 pm
Rightnow claims:- “that is not litotes”
Of course it is you fool. Redneck is litotes for nazi crazy fucker.
Lance says:= “Fail”
I’m sure you are familliar with the term “thin end of the wedge”
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 1:30 pm
Litotes employs a double negative, e.g ‘not unattractive’ to say someone is very attractive.
Vote:You remind me of Humpty Dumpty in Alice in Wonderland:
October 14th, 2011 at 1:34 pm
Surely Scott the best protection an officer can have is that the crims are scared shitless of them.
I prescribe Glock for close in, 12G for street sweeping and 7mm mag with JHP’s for longer range stuff.
Water cannon, stun grenades, taser, etc. if the bastards don’t quite warrant killing.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 1:39 pm
“And in recent shootings of police, how would having had a side arm have helped them”
Off the top of my head and only in recent times, the murder of the Senior Constable, the cops who were shot in Christchurch, the cop who was slashed by a machete and the one who was shot in South Auckland. I’m sure there are a few more I’m missing as well.
I think you only need to look at the above shootings and the amount of armed bank robberies to see the fallacy in claiming that N.Z criminals are unarmed.
And you seem to be using communication and reputation mantra like it is some sort of established fact, rather than just the claim of an academic who has never encountered a criminal. Also one would assume that communication with someone armed with a firearm is alot more effective when one is also able to counter the threat they pose just incase they aren’t willing to sit down for a cup of tea.
I’m not suggesting guns on hips as a matter of routine, but that anyone who can’t see the practical and logical side of this move to simply make it easier for police to access firearms is simply deluded.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 1:43 pm
RightNow
Litotes is the commonly used antonym for hyperbole. You’ve just been caught out wikipeding.
Just means understatement. The double negative is merely a more formal literary device.
Got anything to say about arming cops or are you just trolling?
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 1:49 pm
Really Humpty? I challenge you to present evidence of your claim. Prove your definition.
Here are my proofs:
http://www.usingenglish.com/glossary/litotes.html
http://grammar.about.com/od/il/g/litotesterm.htm
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/litotes
More if you want.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 1:49 pm
Johnboy:- “Surely Scott the best protection an officer can have is that the crims are scared shitless of them.”
Well the cops are basically the governments hired muscle, so if you’re happy with Nanny’s heavies being even bigger assholes to steal your taxes, then give em a freakin flamethrower!
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 1:58 pm
Dexter… I agree but give up trying to convince the looney left and those who live in dream land
TJF
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 1:58 pm
Perhaps your right Scotty. Do you think we should just disband them and let the citizens take care of their own defence?
That would allow Johnny and Billy to give us another tax cut so we could spend more at the gunshop.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 2:05 pm
Johnboy:- “Do you think we should just disband them and let the citizens take care of their own defence?”
Well that idea has it’s merits. In effect you’d be privatizing the police, so people would have to hire security guards if they didn’t want to actually arrest anyone themselves.
The poor would be left to fight it out for themselves, so I’m sure they’d band together and form a few possies.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 2:08 pm
Perhaps the way forward is to allow citizens to carry weapons. Save money on cops, reduce crime.
http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2011/09/30/media-silence-is-deafening-about-important-gun-news/
“Newly released data for Chicago shows that, as in Washington, murder and gun crime rates didn’t rise after the bans were eliminated — they plummeted”
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 2:11 pm
I wasn’t thinking arrest for the perps Scotty. I was really thinking bonus tax cuts for reducing the requirement for so many trials.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 2:20 pm
“Perhaps the way forward is to allow citizens to carry weapons. Save money on cops, reduce crime. ”
Which works when you already have guns freely, cheaply and readily available to the criminal population.
Whereas here it would have an inverse impact.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 2:23 pm
Well if changes to legislation made it possible Dexter, I’m sure I wouldn’t be the only person who sees a great business opportunity.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 2:30 pm
Strange how some bring up the numbers of cops who have been killed while on duty to warrant them all being armed.
Vote:It seems some believe that more coppers have been killed than any other occupation which is utter bullshit.
Being a forestry worker is a damn sight more dangerous.
October 14th, 2011 at 2:43 pm
“It seems some believe that more coppers have been killed than any other occupation which is utter bullshit.”
Who, where did they say it? You’re full of shit.
“Being a forestry worker is a damn sight more dangerous”
Vote:Through workplace accidents, not because the trees are armed and trying to kill the forestry workers.
October 14th, 2011 at 2:46 pm
grumpyoldhori… The big difference is that a Forestry worker can choose to go home if its too dangerous to work. A police Officer does not have that luxury so we should provide them with the best resources. Then again some people prefer to put the Police down no matter what they do.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 2:46 pm
Yes grumpyhori
And there are now heavy risk mitigation tactics in place which are rigorously enforced under the Health and Safety in Employment act.
So are you suggesting the cops don’t deserve risk mitigation measures?
Your argument seems to be job A is more dangerous than job B therefore job B employees need little protection.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 2:49 pm
“Being a forestry worker is a damn sight more dangerous.”
Specially if the poor bastards come across some of the bro’s crops eh Grumpy.
Let’s arm forestry workers as well.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 2:52 pm
“Being a forestry worker is a damn sight more dangerous”
And are they not provided with every tool possible to mitigate that risk?
Please explain why you don’t believe Police deserve the same protection.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 2:55 pm
Johnboy – “I wasn’t thinking arrest for the perps”
Well, as I’m sure you’re aware that libertarian property rights would probably give you the right to shoot someone invading your property with ill intent.
I suppose the rationale behind the idea is that no fucker will dare invade someones property for fear of being shot so end of problem, but I doubt it would be that straightforward. Prefer to see Aussis try it first to see how it works out.
edit forestry work is deadly for amateurs like me. Nearly killed myself with a hung up tree when thinning my pines.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 3:02 pm
Scott Chris… From memory there was a small town in one of the American Southern States where it was compulsory for each home to have a firearm.
Apparently the burglary rate dropped out of sight.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 3:03 pm
Scotty, don’t the Melons and Liars always berate Keys mob for being followers instead of leaders?
To hell with the Ozzys let’s lead the way on cleaning up the crims, simplifying the justice system and set an example for the rest of the world.
ps: Proves my point. If you were a properly armed forestry guy you could have stood back safely and blasted the bugger with an RPG.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 3:07 pm
bc,
you should learn to figure out when someone has their tongue firmly planted in their cheek.
You know, I try a little bit of trolling, and barely get a response.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Where are all the outraged liberals foaming at the mouth?
Back to work
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 4:08 pm
grumpyoldhori (2,008) Says: October 14th, 2011 at 2:30 pm “Strange how some bring up the numbers of cops who have been killed while on duty to warrant them all being armed”.
Bollocks. Have a look again, GOH.
Very few of those killed were armed. They were killed in cold blood. Protecting you and me.
And you still think the Police shouldn’t have [quick] access to firearms?
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 4:35 pm
Arm the cops…make sure they are trained and accountable for how they us the guns and I’m happy for them to blow real scum away 24/7 as required…
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 4:37 pm
Hard to tell when you are being serious or not Lee01. For a minute there, I thought you were seeing liberals under the bed and in the walls!
Vote:Still your top 5 director list was pretty good (no Scorcese or Kubrick though) so I know you’re not totally insane!
October 14th, 2011 at 4:46 pm
Give the police quick access by all means….they deserve the right to protect themselves in dicey situations. I don’t think we are ready now or hopefully in the foreseeable future for cops to be carrying sidearms at all times as in the USA.
As far as what they carry, revolvers are near useless past about arms length & there is a danger of collateral damage with any sort of rifle. They should take Johnboy’s advice & carry 12ga shotguns. Lethal closeup, relatively safer for the public but will cause enough pain to give any crim plenty to think about.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 6:27 pm
Thank you nasska. Its hard to preach to the ignorant and stupid who think a cop can leg shoot a POS at 50 metres with a handgun.
I put it down to watching too many cowboy movies.
The shooting scene I love best is where the hero is egging on the troops, hears the gunshot, ducks and the bullet whines past.
Hollywood has a lot to answer for!
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 6:51 pm
Given people have been mentioning Australia as a good example of armed police, this article is from today:
http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/police-response-an-utter-failure-coroner-finds-20111014-1lo17.html
Try guns in cars first, and don’t rush in to arming police. And proper training is essential.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 7:03 pm
Good reason to take stupid little toys like tasers off the cops hip and replace it with a handgun I would say TM.
No confusion then in the heat of the moment.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 7:14 pm
TM… I agree proper training is essential… Not being glib but I have been there done that. Carrying a side arm is a huge responsibility however for every one bad call thats hits the media there are numerous successful incidents involving the police using firearms that do not get publicity as it’s not news. If someone stuffs up, target them rather than shut everyone down.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 7:50 pm
This is way out of date. Cops on night shift have always carried guns in their boot….usually in the sargeants boot.
Vote:October 14th, 2011 at 8:20 pm
Dazzaman… Close. Have you noticed that many cops in major cities carry empty holsters on their duty belts during the day.. Most front line I cars have a gun safe in the front. Sgts tend to be “closer” to their firearms if you get my meaning.
Vote: