By Victoria Brenan

Last updated at 13:46, Monday, 25 February 2013

Armed police were on the streets of Cumbria 65 times in a year and up to 500 weapons were seized.

Insp Dave Bosson

The figures, revealed at the weekend, included 18 times for royal or diplomatic protection, for the humane destruction of animals and when the public reported a suspicious incident which may involve weapons.

Just two of the 65 times when firearms authority was issued involved a suspect using a gun with criminal intent.

Inspector Dave Bosson said: “Every police force in the country has to have firearms capability.

“There’s always a threat, even in places like here – even if from firearms that are legally kept, or in rural communities where farmers have access to firearms.

“But Cumbria is one of the safest places to live and work. We are very lucky.”

Insp Bosson said the weapons available to firearms officers included a 9mm Glock 17 handgun, Heckler and Koch G53 carbine, 36mm Heckler and Koch baton gun, plus the Taser X26.

He said gun crime in Cumbria was among the lowest in the UK and Cumbria police officers had not fired a gun at anyone since 1985 when a gunman in Brampton opened fire and was lawfully killed by officers.

He said Cumbria police take possession of 400 to 500 firearms a year.

Some are handed in at police front offices – perhaps when people do not want to renew a firearms licence – while others are seized during warrants.

When arrests are made for violent offences, if the offender is shown on the police system to have a firearms licence, officers may choose to seize the weapon from the person’s home until criminal proceedings are finished.

Insp Bosson said to become a firearms officer, police must complete a nine-week residential course at police HQ in Penrith – and pass regular re-examinations.

He said: “Firearms officers are tested routinely every 12 months and pass a fitness test to a very high standard.”

First published at 13:43, Monday, 25 February 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk