"Yes they would be, if only there didn't have to be almost a lengthy inquiry before they were dispatched into these situations"
That's not how it works.
A senior officer will request armed response and they will turn up. Once it's established that public safety is being breached, SO19 will be dispatched (according to my copper mates).
"I don't think you are naive enough to think that things haven't changed, the present day situation calls for much stronger measures than a whack from a truncheon."
I assume, although you can correct me, that you're referring to gang violence? I don't see how arming the police would have any affect on this...unless you
seriously ramped up the number of front line officers. I'm talking about armed police patrolling the streets in this kind of get up:
http://www.eliteukfor...lice/co19-shotgun.jpg
Dunno...I don't like the idea at all.