It is precisely that lack of weaponry which has earned them world wide respect. In reverse, it is the world wide respect they have earned which averts them from the use of arms. Not so long back, I recall reading an article in one of Britain's national newspapers. The article questioned the issue as to whether to allow our police forces to carry guns for their own protection. The majority of the answers given to this article were given by members of various police constabularies around the country. Most stated their reluctance to being armed, they were aware of the respect they had earned due to their lack of guns and so, unarmed they wished to remain.
Naturally they aren't completely weapon free. They carry truncheons (batons) and recently added cs spray to their supplies. The cs spray caused extreme controversy on it's introduction, so imagine how the British public would react to a gun? The Brit's would cry murder just on seeing it!
Don't get me wrong, we have our armed response units and swat teams brought forward in cases of dire emergencies, but in a country with a distinct lack of guns, they are rarely implemented. The majority of the police forces patrolling Britain are unarmed, and given the circumstances, they do remarkably well!
British police are also notoriously polite - even when they are arresting you! "Would you PLEASE step out of the car; Could I see your license PLEASE!" You will always be addressed as Sir or Madam, whether you're guilty of an offence or not. Imagine my shock on moving to America! Cops with guns, what is this place? I'm adjusting a little now, but initially I was terrified!
I dare not ask for directions for fear that my eyes wouldn't make it past his waist and I'd be arrested for ogling! I imagined myself getting pulled over and being asked for my "License, registration and insurance," and I calmly sitting there announcing, " Not until you say please!" It hasn't happened yet, but my husband has promised to post bail for me when it does!
So in recognition of my polite, calm, unarmed police force, patrolling the streets of my home town, I dedicate this article to them. May you remain the same and not allow society to change you!
