Question for London Cops or anyone in England

[HANDLETHAT]

I was just wondering, since I'm over here for the next couple of weeks. Do you think, I could go the local Police Department (which isn't far from me) and ask some basic questions about being a Cop. In other words, do you think they wouldn't mind giving me some advice or anything. Just wondering

[JohnKelly]

I am not in the UK but I am positive that there would be no problem in you calling in at any UK Police Station to seek information and have a general chat with a Police Officer.

There are a number of UK Police Officers who visit this Website and there may be even some who are Stationed in the area that you are visiting.

What part of the UK are you visiting?

[Cockney Corner.]

I work as a Police officer just north of London. Feel free to post your questions - I'll give them a go (I also lived in London for ten years or so).

However, you might also want to visit the Metropolitan Police web-site or, if you are visiting London, go to their Recruiting Office which is located on Victoria Street in Whitehall (literally just round the corner from New Scotland Yard and a two minute walk from the Houses of Parliament if you're sight-seeing).

[Caprice66]

I am sorry to break the post, but I have to ask. A friend of one of my parents seems to think that UK officers do not carry guns on duty. Only a special task force of some kind are the only ones who do carry firearms. Is this true???

[Cockney Corner.]

Originally posted by Caprice66
I am sorry to break the post, but I have to ask. A friend of one of my parents seems to think that UK officers do not carry guns on duty. Only a special task force of some kind are the only ones who do carry firearms. Is this true???

Basically, yes. Only a small minority of officers routinely carry firearms. I'm a patrol officer and I don't carry, routinely or otherwise. There will (or should) always be a number of vehicles crewed by armed officers who are on patrol, ready to respond to incidents involving firearms. In London, there will also be officers who are armed because they are protecting embassies, politicians, the Royal Family etc. Airports are also patrolled by armed officers.

[Sgt Lobster]

HANDLETHAT,

Probably best to ring the local police station and arrange a visit. Not all stations are open 24/7, and if you call on speck you may find everybody is too busy to speak to you.

Lobster.

[Caprice66]

Originally posted by Cockney Corner.
Basically, yes. Only a small minority of officers routinely carry firearms. I'm a patrol officer and I don't carry, routinely or otherwise. There will (or should) always be a number of vehicles crewed by armed officers who are on patrol, ready to respond to incidents involving firearms. In London, there will also be officers who are armed because they are protecting embassies, politicians, the Royal Family etc. Airports are also patrolled by armed officers.

What if you guys get in the heat of things?? You do not fear your life?

I do not mean to be a pest, just curious.

[JohnKelly]

Originally posted by Caprice66
What if you guys get in the heat of things?? You do not fear your life?

I do not mean to be a pest, just curious.

Caprice66 - A Thread titled, 'Unarmed UK Cop Tactics vs Armed Suspects' already exists in these Forums and your question can be answered by visiting the following Thread;

http://forums.officer.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=17946

[HANDLETHAT]

Thank you all, I'm sorry for the delay, we have just packed out a lot of our furniture stuff (including computer equipment). I'm in the London area. I will give the local police station a ring, or more so try the recruiting office. Thanks All

[Caprice66]

Originally posted by JohnKelly
Caprice66 - A Thread titled, 'Unarmed UK Cop Tactics vs Armed Suspects' already exists in these Forums and your question can be answered by visiting the following Thread;

http://forums.officer.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=17946

Thanks JohnKelly!!

[Eastside]

Speaking as a Met officer,and sorry to drop in on this thread.Regarding Firearms,as said it is not common to have armed officers a la the US.However as mentioned we have ARV'S(Armed response vehicles)DPG units(Diplomatic protection group)who patrol embassies,diplomatic sites,special areas etc.All this is public knowledge so its no problem mentioning this.
As for heat of moment,what do you do when confronted by armed suspect.Hmmm well its been interesting when its happened twice so far to me,scary,a lot of calling for help,and frankly terrifying afterwards.
But its an element we deal with,not daily.We've had unarmed officers fired on twice in the past few weeks in london.Once resulting in the officer being injured,and thankfully he's recovering.
However speaking personally id like to be at least armed with Taser.Knives are a bigger problem then anything else,that and combatants high on drugs or drunk.Quick taser shot in my book certainly better then a stick fest or 6 officers jumping on someone trying to restrain them.

But there is a huge huge debate in the UK with officers being armed...too long to go into.

Regarding popping into Police stations and chatting,it will depend largely where you go,the busier stations that i know.In the North east of London are normally stacked with folk queing to report crime,get directions,or just sign in on as part of their bail conditions.Making a lot of stations not the most savory of places to sit and wait.Pop in though and im sure the officer will say hello happily..As for a ridealong i dont think theyre being allowed anymore.Im not on a patrol team anymore.But last i heard they were being done for met applicants only...

Have fun on your trip.

[Ex-plod]

I did 18 years unarmed, drop me a line and we can meet up for a coffee and a chat if you want.:)