From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] CITY'S POLICE `ARMED TO COMBAT GUN MENACE' 230309 OCT 10 By Anita Singh and John Deane, PA News Armed police foot patrols have been introduced on two inner-city housing estates to combat increasing gun violence, it has emerged. Officers carrying pistols are on routine night patrol in Nottingham - the first time a mainland British force has deployed armed officers in such a way. Nottinghamshire police said the decision was taken to reassure the local community. The scheme was set up in response to a gun crime problem in inner city areas and was not intended to be permanent, the force said. But the decision was condemned as a "sad indictment" of the state of law and order in Britain by shadow home secretary Ann Widdecombe. The Home Office stressed it was an operational matter for the Chief Constable, though ministers would be getting a full briefing on the decision. But Miss Widdecombe argued: "This tells the true story of Labour's failure to tackle violent crime and the real consequences of drug use in society. "The decision to issue guns is of course a matter for the Chief Constable, but I am confident the decision was only taken in the face of extreme circumstances. "It is a sad indictment of this Government's utter failure that such a move should be necessary." The scheme, part of Operation Real Estate, has so far led to over 150 arrests for drugs and firearms offences and the recovery of 15 firearms. The armed officers have been patrolling the St Ann's and Meadows areas of the city for several months but have not used their weapons so far. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Well, I think this tells us just how well the guns bans worked. Kenneth Pantling -- I find it fascinating that Notts. Police are doing exactly what I suggested in the paper on our website that I posted there about 2 years ago. Steve. Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___________________________________________________________ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
