16/05/2006

Survey reveals threat faced by police

Around 7,000 police officers have been threatened with a gun and 40,000 police officers have been threatened with a knife while on duty in the past two years, a survey has revealed.

However, the Police Federation report found that while many police officers wanted more firearms officers to be available when needed, support for the majority of police officers to remain armed remained low.

Only 23.4% of those interviewed said that all police officers should carry guns.

However, 89% said that they wanted to see more use of Taser stun guns.

Currently, the number of authorised firearms officers was under 5%. However, Police Federation Chairman Jan Berry said that the number should be between 5% and 8%.

The research was carried out after the murder of PC Sharon Beshenivsky in Bradford last year. The results come just days after special constable Nisha Patel-Nasri was stabbed to death outside her north London home.

(KMcA)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

12 November 2014
Release Of Police Killer Described As 'Sickening'
The release of a man convicted of killing three unarmed police officers in 1966 has been described as "sickening". Harry Roberts, now aged 78, has been released from prison after serving 48 years for 1966 murders of three unarmed police officers in Shepherd's Bush in west London.
26 April 2005
Queen unveils National Police Memorial
The Queen has unveiled a National Police Memorial in tribute to British police officers killed in the line of duty. The £2.3 million project includes a large black wall with a glass cabinet displaying a book which names 1,600 police officers who have died in the line of duty.
29 October 2014
Crime Victims Pay The Price For Police Budget Cuts
Crime victims are facing a poorer service because of police budget cuts, according to a new survey. The results of a national detectives' survey, undertaken by the Police Federation of England and Wales, highlights the continuing pressure that detective officers throughout the country are under.
10 June 2008
Police Lose High Court Pay Battle
Police officers have lost their High Court battle for a 2.5% pay rise to be paid in full. Home Secretary Jacqui Smith refused to implement their pay award in full, which has led to bitterness among the ranks. The Police Federation said that Ms Smith has acted unlawfully.
20 May 2008
Police Vote For Right To Strike
Police officers in Northern Ireland would follow the lead of fellow officers in England and Wales over possible strike action on pay.