Transport police to be armed to counter terror threat

[dipsydoodle]

Armed teams of British Transport Police (BTP) are to start patrolling the railways and London Underground to counter terrorism.

Transport Secretary Philip Hammond said they would be "deployed as appropriate in response to the terrorism threat level at any given time".

Armed police from other forces already patrol stations and trains.

Mr Hammond said the news was not a result of any specific threat and would "enhance" police operations.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-13521747

[Hopeless Romantic]

1. Oh lovely, that'll keep us all scared and compliant won't it

[tjwmason]

2. Am I being too suspicious

In noticing that this is announced at the same time as the G20 prosecution?

One step forward, two steps back?

[muriel_volestrangler]

3. Because armed police did such a good job at Stockwell tube station, didn't they?

It's not as if there was any police suspicion of the 7/7 bombers. It wouldn't have made any difference if all the transport police had been armed. In contrast, they killed Jean Charles de Menezes because they had the ability, and had completely screwed up the surveillance of his block of flats, not through lack of firearms, but by complete incompetence.

[Nihil]

4. Q: What is worse than plastic policemen?

A: Armed plastic policemen.


Next up: Giving guns to "Community Support Officers" in order to
"enhance" police operations?

Arming traffic wardens in case they have to arrest a suspicious vehicle?


:argh: