davidbach

There is a key difference between the police in the US and in the civilised world. In the US there are armed people everywhere. Not just criminals, but little old ladies with a mini-gun in their handbags.

Now imagine what this does for the police in the US. They can be (and are) involved in firefights at the drop of a hat. They are scared every minute they are on duty. They can never relax. The people that they try to protect become enemies. Any wonder they lose it on occasion? I am not condoning the violence, but we must understand the background.

Yes, police in the UK get shot too. But, on balance, they get respect and trust. Sure, there are many cases of a cuff about the lug'ole, and most often the kid goes running to mum and gets a futher cuff. End of matter, justice done if not legally. Without the fear on both sides, the situation does not escalate.

David.

premjan

It is true, if everyone can own a gun, then the people who suffer the most are the police.