THE number of police officers who want to routinely carry firearms has risen just one per cent compared with eight years ago, despite a national rise in gun crime.
A Police Federation survey of 13,000 officers across the country found that 22 per cent wanted to carry guns on everyday duty compared with 21 per cent in 1995.
It also revealed 47 per cent of frontline officers in England and Wales backed mandatory wearing of body armour and eight out of 10 said more officers should be trained to use firearms.
Andy White, chairman of West Mercia Police Federation, said he was not surprised that the number of officers wanting to carry guns had only risen by one per cent.
"Not everyone would be comfortable wearing a firearm," said Mr White, who represents 2,300 West Mercia police officers.
"Only a very small number of people in our own community cause problems, the majority are law abiding.
"And we do have a 24- hour armed response capability should we need it."
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