Increase in Armed Police on the Streets

Recently, an image arose online of two police officers holding guns in Newcastle city centre, smiling. This caused a great deal of controversy, but it’s something you might be seeing a lot more often from now on.

The above image caused an uproar when it was posted online by Northumbria Police, with concern from the public that Newcastle might be under threat.

However, this does not seem to be the case. Northumbria Police have responded to the concerns, stating:

“We understand people may be concerned to see armed officers but they are not there because of any specific threat or intelligence that something is going to happen. It is a really busy time of year and public safety and public confidence is our absolute priority.”

Following the high number of terror attacks that have occurred in the recent months, the British police force is being forced to change their tactics. It has been announced that they are considering increasing the number of firearms by 50%, ensuring that there is plenty of protection on the streets.

Despite this, it is being emphasised that this is for the purpose of protection only, in case such an awful event was to occur, and so the public should not be afraid of police offers carrying weapons, with the Northumbria force adding:

“We would encourage people to approach the officers if they see them out and about – they do what they do because they want to keep you safe.”

In addition to this, Chief Supt Neill said:

“The British model of policing is respected throughout the world, we are not changing that model, the cornerstone of this model is neighbourhood policing and we remain absolutely committed to it. Our armed officers are there to reassure members of the public that we are in a position to respond to any incident that does occur and to provide that visible deterrent to criminals.”

What do you think? Is this going to cause problems for the relationship between the police and the public, or does it make you feel a lot safer?