In the wake of recent terror attacks in the UK, the Police Federation will ask officers whether they want to routinely carry a gun in the first national survey of its kind in more than ten years.
Last month the Guardian revealed that police chiefs discussed the possibility of arming all frontline officers to counter the threat of terrorism. Unlike their counterparts in Northern Ireland, most police in Great Britain are traditionally unarmed as routine arming is controversial and many do not support it. However, some police sources say the longstanding principle is under pressure after four terrorist attacks in three months.
It is unlikely immediate action will take place to arm all police, but the idea is already provoking discussion around offering handguns to some patrol officers, or training to all frontline officers to carry a gun.
Share your experiences
We would like to hear from serving or former police officers their thoughts about being armed. How would you feel about being armed? Should all officers carry a gun or a taser? Perhaps you are concerned about how much it will cost, or think training should be more extensive. How do you think the public will react to more visible armed officers?
You can share your stories, anonymously if you prefer, in the form below. The form is encrypted and only the Guardian can see your responses. We will feature some of them in our reporting.
