The Army may have to be deployed on the streets of Britain to carry out routine policing duties because constables are reluctant to train as firearms officers. Chairman of the Police Federation, Steve White, said officers are not volunteering to carry guns because they fear being “hung out to dry” and treated like a suspect if they discharge their weapon. “If you cannot get police officers carrying guns then you are going to have to have the Army on the streets” White warned. The Telegraph reports: It could force the Government to call in troops to carry out day-to-day guarding and patrolling duties at major transport hubs, city centres and key buildings such as the Houses of Parliament, he suggested. Mr White, who opens the federation’s annual conference in Bournemouth, Dorset, on Monday, said a national shortage of armed police was leaving Britain vulnerable to terror attack. “I think there is a real possibility the Army could have to be called in to conduct routine duties that are currently performed by authorised firearms officers,” said Mr White. “If you cannot get police officers carrying guns then you are going to have to have the Army on the streets.” Mr White’s [...]
