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The Scottish Police Federation (SPF), which represents the vast majority of frontline officers in Scotland, has proposed that these officers should have access to firearms securely stored in their patrol vehicles. This recommendation follows the example set by New Zealand, where police routinely do not carry guns but can quickly retrieve them from locked cabinets in their cars when necessary. Currently, in Scotland, only specialist officers—around 500 in number—are issued firearms, and most police personnel do not receive firearms training.
David Kennedy, the general secretary of the SPF, emphasized the need for frontline officers to carry Taser devices amid rising violence. He expressed concern about potential delays in armed response times, citing the closure of local police stations and reorganization of specialist units as factors that contribute to slow deployment, especially in rural areas. Kennedy highlighted a 2022 incident in the Highlands, where officers pursuing a gunman were instructed not to intervene because the armed response unit was over 100 miles away, illustrating the risks of the current system. He warned that drawing a knife on the streets could lead to an officer resorting to deadly force.
The Scottish government has reaffirmed its stance that Police Scotland will remain an unarmed force, maintaining that the existing approach is suitably balanced and proportionate. A Police Scotland spokesperson stated that armed officers receive extensive training focused on de-escalation and communication, with stringent oversight to ensure firearms are used only when justified. They also noted the continued presence of an armed policing capability that includes Tasers and other conventional weapons, with their deployment determined operationally by the Chief Constable.
Meanwhile, the SPF has highlighted broader challenges facing policing in Scotland, including increased assaults on officers, funding constraints, and the centralization of services. The federation’s “Policing Manifesto 2026” calls for investments matching at least inflation levels, greater local control, and a return to more visible community policing. It also stresses the importance of psychological support for officers exposed to traumatic events, aiming to improve both welfare and retention. Despite ongoing debates about arming officers, the Scottish government reported record policing funding exceeding £1.7 billion for the 2026-27 budget and pointed out that crime rates in Scotland have halved since 1991, affirming the country’s relative safety
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