Do YOU want Police to carry guns in your town?

Specially trained police officers are routinely carrying pistols on them in the area even when they're not called to incidents needing firearms, it has emerged.

Dyfed Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon has revealed that some officers are carrying guns in holsters while on duty but not attending incidents but wants to know if YOU the public want this to continue.

He said around 70 officers in the force are trained firearms officers, including those at Newtown, who are called to specific incidents when needed.

But they also carry pistols while on duty.

Now he's undertaking an online poll to see what people in the area think.

When it emerged in Scotland that some police officers were carrying guns on a general basis it caused concern.

Mr Salmon said: “Dyfed-Powys has more than 70 officers trained to use firearms when the need arises; however, they routinely carry their pistols when also undertaking everyday tasks.
 
"I’d like to know if the public want this practice to continue or whether I need to give it further thought.”
 
Mr Salmon’s online poll was triggered by a recent move by Police Scotland to have force guns present only at firearms incidents.
 
Mr Salmon said: “It’s my job to listen to the public. My decisions will reflect their views.
 
“Following controversy in Scotland, I’d like to understand better how the public in Dyfed-Powys see this issue."
 
There are 74 specially trained authorised firearms officers across Dyfed-Powys. They respond to incidents where the risks suggest a need for firearms. When not responding they conduct routine patrols, where they keep their pistols in holsters.
 
The Commissioner’s latest online survey follows a poll in which the public voted to assign an annual sum of around £300,000 from speed awareness courses to road safety activity.
 
This firearms survey is online now and will run until early May, with results published shortly afterwards. To take part click here