PETERSFIELD has been used as an example of ‘isolated’ police being in danger as Hampshire officers are asked if they should carry guns.
More than 900 officers out of 2,900 in the county already have replied to a new questionnaire asking if they should all be armed.
Hampshire Police Federation represents officers and is behind the survey, aimed at bringing the controversial topic into the public arena.
Federation chairman John Apter said: “I don’t necessarily think officers should be armed, but it needs to be discussed and a majority decision agreed.
“There is genuine information that police were targeted in the European terror attacks, and officers here feel extremely vulnerable.
“There are now more armed officers, and there is a genuine belief there should be even more, but is that enough, or should every officer be routinely armed?
“We have to adapt to events in the world around us. At the moment officers can’t defend themselves.
“Petersfield is relatively isolated, and if officers there need help, armed back up could take time to arrive, leaving them vulnerable.
“We are the only European force that doesn’t carry guns, and officers have spoken to me about that vulnerability. We have to ensure they are as safe as possible.”
If the survey, which ends in mid-May, reveals a majority in favour of carrying guns, Mr Apter will call for a national survey and debate.
This could lead to recommendations on arming police being made to the Home Secretary and government.
In 2006, a nationwide survey found that if a decision was made to train and arm all police while they were on duty, 70 per cent of officers would accept it.