Norfolk Police Authority Reacts To Calls to Arm Officers

19 September 2012, 16:25 | Updated: 20 September 2012, 07:14

After two policewomen were killed in a shooting in Manchester, Norfolk Police Authority gives its reaction to calls to arm every officer.

The deaths of two policewomen who were shot on duty, answering a routine call, have prompted calls for all police to be armed.

Suffolk and Norfolk Police have sent their condolences:

Suffolk Police Chief Constable Simon Ash said: 

"It was with great sadness that the death of two colleagues at Greater Manchester Police was reported yesterday which enforces once again the danger officers and staff face when performing their duties. 

I have been in contact with Chief Constable Peter Fahy of GMP passing on our condolences, our thoughts and our prayers which he will pass on to the officers' family, friends and colleagues. 

The Suffolk Constabulary Flags located at Police Headquarters, Woodbridge, Sudbury, Felixstowe, Bury St Edmunds and Lowestoft will be flown at half mast on the day of the funeral of the two officers."

Chief Constable of Norfolk Police Phil Gormley said: "The thoughts of the entire Norfolk Constabulary are with the families, friends and colleagues of the two officers killed in Manchester. 

This incident tragically demonstrates the risks that police officers quietly and routinely take to keep their fellow citizens safe. As a mark of respect and solidarity the force flag has been lowered to half mast."

Steven Bett is chairman of Norfolk Police Authority and speaks to Heart about why he thinks there are good reasons not to give a gun to every officer:

Stephen Bett from Norfolk Police Authority