Would unarmed police officers like to carry a gun?

Among police officers who do not carry firearms, who make up the overwhelming majority of serving officers, roughly three quarters (73%) are glad not to have to carry a gun as part of their role. Just one in eight (13%) say they would prefer to carry a gun as part of their job, with a further 14% saying they wouldn’t mind either way.

The reasons for not wanting to carry a gun are varied. For many (38%), concerns about responsibility and morality weigh heavy:

• “I do not want to carry the burden of shooting someone dead and then living with that decision on my conscious, and then facing the long investigation post incident.” (Sergeant, 45, male)
• “I would not ever want to kill someone whether it is justified / required or not.” (Inspector, 41, female)
• “I don’t want the responsibility of taking a persons life away.” (Constable, 54, male)
• “Wouldn’t want to be in the position of making the decision to shoot someone.” (Inspector, 47, female)
• “I don’t want to be responsible for anyone’s death.” (Sergeant, 46, male)
• “Big responsibility. Not something to take lightly.” (Constable, 36, male)
• “I would hate to ever be in a position where I had to use one.” (Constable, 43, female)
• “Wouldn’t trust myself to make the split second decisions required.” (Constable, 43, male)

Another common concern, expressed by a third of unarmed officers who do not wish to be armed (34%), is that, regardless of how justified they would hypothetically be in using a gun, they would be subject to life-changing investigations and prosecutions, without any support from senior officers. The IOPC (Independent Office for Police Conduct) was a particular worry for this group, with the body seen as “anti-police” for pursuing “malicious prosecutions”.

• “If I was to discharge a firearm in the line of duty I do not have confidence that the force would back me up and protect me.” (Constable, 48, male)
• “Too many officers have been prosecuted or disciplined for split second decisions involving the use of their firearms that they made in good faith.” (Inspector, 51, male)
• “I would be thrown under the bus if I ever had to use it there would be no support from the Management or legal system.” (Constable, 55, male)
• “If you ever have to use it you are likely to face a murder trial and witch hunt by the public, especially if the person you had to use it on is from an ethnic minority.” (Sergeant, 38, male)

That firearms are not needed for day-to-day policing is noted by 15% officers, with 9% stressing that it goes against the principle of policing by consent...

• “We police by consent and not every police officer needs a firearm.” (Sergeant, 56, male)
• “Not required or needed. I am proud we don't carry guns.” (Constable, 50, male)
• “We are not like America. I have never been in a situation where I thought I wish I had a gun.” (Constable, 55, male)
• “No need for guns in this country. We are perfectly well equipped to deal with 99.9% of situations unarmed, without the additional risk that carrying a gun brings.” (Constable, 43, male)

...while the potential impact on society of more police being armed was a concern for 14%.

• “If the police all carry guns, I think it encourages criminals to carry guns more.” (Constable, 47, female)
• “We do not need more guns in this country. If the police are more armed then criminals will become too - I do not wish to become like America.” (Constable, 37, female)
• “If police routinely arm I believe more criminals will.” (Sergeant, 38, male)
• “Carrying a firearm comes with more issues. I am glad we only have specially trained firearms officers.” (Constable, 29, female)

Those who do carry guns as part of their role and are glad to do so, often also cite safety and protection as a reason for their views:

• “My environment and role require me to go to dangerous places and situations, I am happy to carry a weapon when needed and hope I never have to use it.” (Constable, 65, male)
• “I would rather have it and never need to use it than be without it and need it.” (Constable, 51, male)
• “It’s my duty to protect those who can't protect themselves from the worst people in society.” (Constable, 45, male)

Not all who currently carry a gun as part of their role are happy to do so, however, with one such officer telling us “I hate firearms! Can't wait for the day I no longer have to carry.” (Sergeant, 59, male)

How do police officers feel about regulations on firearms officers?

More than eight in ten police officers (84%) believe it’s currently too easy for a firearms officer to face criminal charges if they kill someone in the line of duty, with a mere 12% believing current laws are about right.

Nearly all officers (96%) would support police officers being granted anonymity if they face a criminal trial as a result of a police shooting, unless they are subsequently found guilty. Seven in ten (69%) support a change in the standard of proof required for a verdict of unlawful killing by a police officer from a civil standard to a criminal standard.

By 60% to 35%, police officers also support armed officers being granted immunity from murder charges if they discharge their weapons while on duty.

See the full results here

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Photo: Getty