It is not only for “gun crime” that sentences need to be increased. The whole system of sentencing is a disgrace by any standards and awards made by courts rarely, if ever reflect the sentence actually served or carried out. Only when harsh prison sentences are passed – without the cossetting and priviliges and remission given to prisoners these days will crime reduce. I remember a time when the crime of “housebeaking”, ie the burgling of a dwelling house was regarded rightly so as a serious crime and offenders were automatically sent “up the steps” for trial. This meant that the Magistrates could not deal with this offence and offenders were dealt with before (the then) Quarter Sessions Court – imprisonment was almost automatic in every case. Now house burglary is regarded in the same light as shoplifting. We have the politicians to thank for the state of our criminal Judicial system which would not be tolerated in any other liberal democracy.(I do not include anti terrorist measures in that statement). As for arming the Police Ian, you cannot possibly know what this would envisage, I know, I served in one. For a start the culture of our existing Police would have to alter from the indisciplined, scruffy, ill managed and “social worker” ethos of today to a tightly managed, disciplined, highly trained and individually responsible body which is alien to present officers. If Police were all permanently armed I forecast that more officers would be shot than now – not necessarily by criminals but by indisciplined, irresponsibility by other officers or the individuals themselves. There is much wrong with our Police – not least in their “black shirt” appearance and they have much to answer for with regard to the state of crime and disorder, please don’t suggest that they compound their low standing in society by all carrying guns.

Report abuse