Stuey
Not really a good idea. If carrying a firearm was a requirement for the job then the public would be left with very few coppers.
Some coppers have an aversion to guns and wouldn't pick one up if they were told it was unloaded.
Certainly those who are happy with a firearm to protect others should be recruited so we have more than two armed response units.
Trouble is ,stuey, if a police officer shoots anyone lawfully their action is quite rightly investigated but in the meantime the Met have treated the cop as a pariah until an outcome is reached. Loads of ,once, authorised officers just threw their authorisation cards away and said risking my life for others ain't worth the candle if we are to be treated like this.