Do Police In Belfast Carry Guns As Standard?

[naomi24]

They seem to on 'Blue Lights'

[Toorak]

Yes

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Police_use_of_firearms_in_the_United_Kingdom

 

[Ken4155]

The 'Troubles' may be over, Naomi, but the police are no less despised and there are sections of the community who would rather do them harm than good.

The fact that they carry guns as standard helps make the series what it is, imho. Hope you're enjoying it.

[barry1010]

In another tv series, Hope Street, the police south of the border seem to have very easy access to guns although it is supposed to be an unarmed force with exceptions.  It's probably for 'dramatic' purposes

[retrocop]

Yes naomi,

I have several friends in the NIPS shooting team (formerly RUC). Two of them are retired and the others are still active police officers.All of them carry firearms for personal protection when on or off duty and even retired officers are permitted to do so. They have to surrender their firearms(sidearms) before boarding the ferry to the UK but are allowed to bring their competition sporting rifles in locked containers with them.

[naomi24]

Thanks Toorak and Ken.

 

I'm really enjoying it, Ken.  I can't believe I've missed seeing it all this time.  I've finished the first series now and into the second. 

[Ringlet]

Yes, not just in Belfast but all over Northern Ireland.  

[naomi24]

Sorry, I didn't see you there this morning, retro.  Must have cross posted.

 

Thanks ringlet.  I'm learning something from  Blue Lights.