Introduction This survey asks your views about the routine arming of Police Officers. The survey is being conducted by the Police Federation of England and Wales and will inform PFEW policy on this issue. The last survey of members' views was in 2006. By completing and returning the survey you are agreeing to take part in the research. All data will be stored in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. Responses are anonymous and care will be taken to ensure that when results are reported individuals cannot be identified. The survey should take around 10 minutes to complete. 1
ABOUT YOU 1. Please indicate the police constabulary for which you work. 2. Please indicate your current rank. Constable Sergeant Inspector Chief Inspector 2
3. For how long have you been a police officer? Less than 1 year 1-2 years 3-4 years 5-9 years 10-14 years 15-19 years 20-24 years 25-29 years 30 years or more 4. Into which of the following age bands do you fall? 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-59 60+ 5. Do you identify as...? Female Male 3
6. Which of the following best describes your ethnic background? White - British White - Irish White - Other Mixed - White and Black Caribbean Mixed - White and Black African Mixed - White and Asian Mixed - Other Asian/Asian British - Indian Asian/Asian British - Bangladeshi Asian/British - Other Black/Black British - Caribbean Black/Black British - African Black/Black British - Other Chinese Other Ethnic Group Prefer not to say Asian/Asian British - Pakistani 4
ABOUT YOUR ROLE 7. From the list of roles given below, please select the one which best describes the duties you perform in a typical working week. Neighbourhood Policing Response Central Communications Unit Custody Criminal Justice Road Policing Operational Support Intelligence Investigations Investigative support National Policing Training Administrative Support Other 8. Are you currently an authorised firearms officer (AFO)? Yes No 9. Which of the following describes the area in which you regularly find yourself working? Inner city Urban Rural town Rural Primarily office based Other 5
10. If in a front-line role, how frequently have you been single-crewed in the last 12 months? Never Rarely Sometimes Often Always Not applicable to my role 11. How many times in the last two years have you felt that your life was in serious danger as a result of a threat by a member of the public, whilst on duty? None One Two Three Four Five Six Seven Eight Nine Ten Eleven or more 6
ABOUT ARMING 12. Which of the following options comes closest to your view on the issue and use of firearms? All police officers should receive appropriate training and be armed at all times, either on or off duty All police officers should receive appropriate training and be armed on duty but not off duty All police officers should receive appropriate training and firearms should be issued to them as and when necessary Firearms should not be issued to all police officers, but more officers should receive appropriate training and be issued with firearms, as and when necessary The present number of officers who are specially trained to carry firearms is about right No view 13. If a decision was made that all police officers should be suitably trained and armed whilst on duty (and possibly off duty), which of the options below comes closest to your view on the routine arming of police officers? I would be prepared to carry a firearm at all times I would be prepared to carry a firearm at all times on duty I would be prepared to carry a firearm whilst on duty if necessary I would be prepared to carry a firearm whilst on duty if ordered to do so Under no circumstances would I carry a firearm whilst on duty No view 7
14. How likely would you be to take any of the following actions rather than accept an order to carry a firearm whilst on duty? Very likely Quite likely Neither likely nor unlikely Quite unlikely Very unlikely Move into another role where I would not be ordered to carry a firearm Move to another Force where I would not be ordered to carry a firearm Resign from the police service 15. How satisfied are you that armed support is readily available should you require it? Very satisfied Fairly satisfied Not very satisfied Not at all satisfied No view 8
16. How do you think an increase in the number of officers routinely armed whilst on duty will affect the following outcomes? Considerable improvement Slight improvement No effect Slight deterioration Considerable deterioration Personal safety Public safety Public confidence Public trust Approachability of officers Deterrent effect of officers on offending behaviour The number of armed offenders The financial cost of policing Police complaints Police legitimacy The nature of policing Policing culture The delivery of policing to the public An increased use of force Accidents more likely 9
17. Please indicate how regularly you have access to the following equipment: When deemed necessary by an officer Upon my At all times, with Depends on request At all times including Not appropriate availability of whilst I am on whilst I am on when I am off applicable to Never authority resources/officers duty duty duty my role Double crewing Body worn cameras Incapacitant spray Baton Taser Body armour, including stab vests Personal firearms Access to a rapid response from firearms officers 10
18. Please indicate how regularly you want to have access to the following equipment: When deemed necessary by an officer with Upon my At all times At all times, appropriate request whilst I whilst I am on including when I Not applicable to Never authority am on duty duty am off duty my role Double crewing Body worn cameras Incapacitant spray Baton Taser Body armour, including stab vests Personal firearms Access to a rapid response from firearms officers 11
THANK YOU You have now reached the end of the survey, thank you for taking part. 12