Police Weaponry

Should the police be armed?

With recent deaths due to pepper spray probably causing a heart attack, is it possible to discuss the issue of should our police be armed and if so, how - without invoking the "better than guns" argument.

The actions of police we hope never get into the territory that one normally pitches am armed force against. But to think that in today's world is simply unrealistic.

Police are the appointed guardians of our society. When they overstep the mark, as they certainly have in some exceptions that take all the media steam away from more positive developments. And then we start to read about how police could be issued with the Taser to disable miscreants, and with the current trend against tagging, how many of them will now be subjected to potentially fatal lethal force?

None, we hope. How are police going to deal with threats if they are not fierce and ruthless. By being smart, trained and resolved. But making assault of a police officer into an offense idiots are charged with, rather than being taken to for revenge. Police must rise above the legacy of lawless behaviour from disgraced individuals.