AMERICANS SHOCKED by the Differences Between U.S. and U.K. Cops! (REACTION)

[@RNTV]

Thank you for watching our reaction to American Cops vs British Cops by The Infographic Show! 🚓🔍 If you enjoyed this reaction, please give the video a thumbs up 👍, subscribe to our channel 🔔, and share your thoughts in the comments below. Support The Infographic Show by subscribing to their channel: www.youtube.com/@TheInfographicsShow Got more comparisons or educational videos you’d like us to check out? Let us know in the comments! 👇 Let’s keep learning and exploring together, friends!

[@shades2.183]

Ignorance is bliss. Type in 1st amendment audits. It is bad in US, very, very bad.

[@missyyoutube7145]

Great reaction, you guys have great energy. Given the time of year , there is a nice video of British Highschoolers try American Thanksgiving meal. It's had around 10 million views so clearly popular. There's also a great video where the teenagers react to memes that make fun of the British.

[@BrianMac2601]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqO1anyXja1kg5Isi=w9jEtatnBE-f010v

[@BrianMac2601]

Jim jeffries gun control is iconic and hilarious, you have to do part 1 and 2 together as it's the same bit cut in half, I tried posting links for you but yt doesn't like links being posted for other yt vids for some reason. It will have you in stitches.

[@Jamienomore]

The Irish Police have to carry Guns because of those nasty Leprechauns that keep appearting and cause trouble.

[@DougBrown-h1n]

Lots of Americans get the "gun thing" wrong. Anyone can apply for a firearms licence in the UK - the main difference is, we need a valid reason for wanting a gun (self-defence won't cut it), and we have strict and comprehensive background checks. But mostly, I think the UK public just don't have the hots for guns the way Americans do.

[@digidol52]

It's just not a part of our culture. Most people in the UK have never even seen a gun unless perhaps a shotgun on a farm.

[@Matthew.R.H.Cuthbert]

​@digidol52 Same thing in my country. I'm 45 and have never seen a gun (except for a few hunting guns on my childhood friend's father's wall). I honestly don't know anyone who owns a gun. I'm happy to live in a place where no one feels like guns are needed.

[@AndrewBush-d2j]

I wish this would change two years ago my flat windows where smashed I was attacked but if I had a gun I could have stopped this the police made no arrests the reason a shortage of resources

[@shaunmoneil]

Another notable difference this makes is the difference in which firearms are accessible. Shotguns for pest control on farms are most prevalent, at the other end handguns are near-impossible. Overall they tend towards practicality rather than .. shall we say, 'compensation'.

[@magnetiktrax]

@@AndrewBush-d2j sure dude, most likely you'd accidentally kill someone, and not even one of the attackers but some bystander.

[@stuartbeck8111]

an assault against an officer in the uk can be anything from spitting, verbal to physical assault so the 2.4million sounds worse than it is

[@daveborder7751]

Even knocking a policeman's helmet, or rather hat nowadays off.

[@METALFREAK03]

@@daveborder7751 or, as we saw in august, just by shouting at them to leave them alone.

[@drcl7429]

That would also be true in the USA, Assault has broadly the same definition in both common law jurisdictions. However verbal is not assault though, even in the UK. Assault doesn't require physical contact however, at that point it becomes battery. Assault is where the victim is caused to apprehend immediate and unlawful violence. If I try to punch you and I miss it is still assault. If I am playing a prank and pretend to drop a hot drink on you that could technically be assault even if there is no hot drink.

[@drcl7429]

@@daveborder7751 That would be battery too, actually.

[@daveborder7751]

@@METALFREAK03 Or shouting at their dogs.

[@leejones2640]

Guns are actually very rare in the UK. I policed a rural area before retiring after 30 years. Firearms incidents were very rare and consisted mostly of kids messing about with air guns or bb guns. Many farmers had shotgun licences, but these are subject to very strict conditions. Unauthorised possession of an assault rifle or handgun will get you an automatic minimum 5 year jail sentence. Authorised possession of these guns, in my experience, was virtually unknown.

[@chrisvibz4753]

If a felon is in possesion of a firearm in the US you get automatic 5 years in a US prison. Most gun crime is done by felons or people not allowed to own guns. i policed in the US for about 26 years. I wish people would understand that if it wasnt for the UK we wouldnt have a law stating non felons must be able to own firearms. to protect against the government and protect ourselves as it takes a min for police to show up bc we are such a huge country.

[@retrowatches1655]

Life was much better back then. Our village copper would rather clout us kids across the head than take any further action . What on earth has happened to the woke coppers and Internet police we have now . ...

[@keithparker5125]

As has previously been mentioned - the difference is the approach to enforcing the law. British police typically go through 6 months of classroom-based training before being allowed on the streets and this is then followed up by another 10 weeks out with a tutor. Training can continue for another 15 months before you are considered experienced but further training may/will follow. Emphasis is put on how to de-escalate a situation as opposed to confrontation. Contrast this to the US where training is probably only 6 weeks and no training is given as to how to de-escalate (well they do have their guns)! Which do you think is more professional? Couple to that the proliferation of police departments in the states - how often have you heard of a US cop being dismissed, only for him to travel down the road to join another department? In the UK, if an officer is dismissed for any reason his record is shared between forces nationwide and his chances of getting a job with another force are zero! With regards to the figures for assault in the UK, as has previously been mentioned the legal definition of assault is wide ranging including verbal abuse and spitting - in fact you can be guilty of assault simply by pushing an officer, so the 2.4m cases can be highly misleading. One very important factor to note is that there is no such thing as 'qualified immunity' in the UK and our police are subject to the same laws as the rest of the population.

[@zinnia2980]

In Britain its a police service in USa its a police force. USa puts the emphasis on aggression not de-escalation.

[@LilMonkeyFella87]

I dunno if you've seen it, but there is a video on here which UK reactors often see that could be good for you to see. "How One Mass Shooting Changed the UK's Gun Laws Forever" . It's about 9 minutes or so uploaded by ATTN

[@graham9642]

The term "Bobby" for a cop is from Robert Peel who founded the met police in 1829 another early name was Peelers

[@markwakefield8533]

It should be an annual requirement for mandatory psychological assessments, especially if they are carrying firearms

[@bIazex]

I recommend watching "UK Gun Laws Explained" by Adam Explains, goes through the process of owning a gun in the UK and what guns are allowed

[@jillbarnes199]

Agreed

[@rogu3rooster]

Verbal assault is still an assault so whilst theres quite a large number of assaults on UK police the vast majority are simply verbal assault and non violent!

[@chrisgibson7591]

Sticks and storms it's not a criminal offences, and I never want it to be

[@Howling-Mad-Murdock]

@@chrisgibson7591Your spelling should be a criminal offence. 😱

[@sjbict]

@@chrisgibson7591 It is in the UK lately people jailed for hurty words

[@Mykingdom560]

Completely false. "Verbal assault" is classed as public order offence not assault.

[@chrisvibz4753]

how the hell is yelling at someone assault? tyranny. you should be able to say anything you want besides actual threats. thats why i moved out of uk to usa.

[@SH-yo3du]

Ive lived in England for 55 years and I don’t know anyone who owns a gun. I have never seen a gun.

[@lesley585]

I suggest you watch "how british police deal with non violent crime.". Also "UK gun laws explained."

[@PatrickF.Fitzsimmons]

You had 13,000 firearm homicides last year, we had 28.

[@TicketyBoo.]

I am a former Scottish police officer based in Edinburgh. I was firearms trained but never ever carried a gun on duty. I was issued with a wooden truncheon but usually didn't bother with it. I did not carry handcuffs. Never in my service was I assaulted other than someone spitting at me. As a police officer, my jurisdiction was the whole country. The best part of my job was chatting with and helping visitors to the city. We operate a police 'service', there to serve the public and prevent crime as opposed to US police 'forces' that mainly deal with the consequences of crime.

[@nbartlett6538]

The stat of 2.4 million assaults is vastly overinflated and includes everything from an armed attack down to "he looked at me a bit funny".

[@francislaverty9262]

170,500 police officers at the moment in the UK with the population standing at 69,138,192 people (1 cop for every 406 people). In 2021 there were 660,288 officers in the USA with the population standing at 340,161,441 (2021) meaning 1 cop for every 515 people

[@actionjackson180]

British policing is based on consent where the emphasis on communication and de-escalation is paramount.Something sadly lacking in America policing.

[@wulfgold]

Worked mental health - de-escalation techniques/training is a hugely useful thing when you need it.

[@greghill7759]

Sadly, there are some people who simply don't want to de-escalate. Bear in mind that American cops have more guns and lunatics to deal with.

[@wulfgold]

@@greghill7759 yeah - I always found de-escalation involved significantly less paperwork if it works + better for everyone all round. I always want to go home in one piece. American cops have shorter training to do the job and UK policing has made some good progress to a (generally) less confrontational stance. Things happen, some people just want to fight (on either side), but I definitely would want to live in the US unless I was filthy rich and definitely not be police there - no way.

[@TonyVenn-k2m]

If only this were true. Most British police officers don’t understand the law and are more than happy to ignore your rights. Policing by consent is no longer their ethos of British policing. It’s all about accerting authority.

[@wulfgold]

@@TonyVenn-k2m I've seen both sides + still gotten reasonable treatment when I was a very-naughty boy, I've seen mindless d*ckhead cops too. My neighbour gets sectioned around this sorta time of year most years + they've always been good there.

[@MeFreeBee]

I once did a search of an online database held by the Police Remembrance Trust which listed cause of death, both on and off duty, of serving police officers. I was surprised to see the single biggest cause within London's Metropolitan Police was motorcycle accidents on the journey between home and work.

[@hayesboy2481]

The UK has an Armed Response Unit to deal with serious situations. The latest figures for Police numbers in the UK are 170, 500. Great channel. Most guns owned in the UK are shot guns for shooting at clubs and some bird hunting.

[@glastonbury4304]

When they say attacked in the UK it could be just a slight push or verbal abuse...

[@wardrunaragnar5031]

It can also mean getting your head kicked in and stabbed

[@lyndoncmp5751]

Yes Britain has different parameters for violent crime than other nations.

[@BellumEtPacem]

The term 'Bobby' comes from Robert Peel who formed the London Metropolitan Police force back in the early 1800s. Police have also been known as Peelers for the same reason

[@Tommy-he7dx]

I've always wondered where terms "The Rozzers" and "The Fuzz" comes from

[@ExPenguin95]

@@Tommy-he7dx Fuzz is meant to come from the 20s and 30s when their reputation was a bit fuzzy, Rozzers is not clear but could come from the Metropolitan police cap badge which was based on a rose, or from Victorian times when the had beards.

[@METALFREAK03]

@@ExPenguin95 Rozzaers I want to say is because they were scottish? (they have a rosette on their badge or did have anyway).

[@METALFREAK03]

@@ExPenguin95 hang on, just looked up, it was because they made the first dept in Rosendale in Lancashire, apparently.

[@lerx75]

Uk cops start at £28'000 ($45'000) not £19'000.

[@gh8447]

Ownership of firearms in the UK is legal, but heavily regulated. Most notably (in comparison to the US), pistols and auto- or semi-automatic rifles are illegal to own. Here's an excerpt from Wikipedia: The following weapons are subject to general prohibition: Automatic or burst-fire firearms. Semi-automatic or pump-action rifles other than those chambered for .22 rimfire cartridges. Manually actuated release system rifles (MARS) and lever release rifles (not to be confused with lever action). Most handguns (firearms with a barrel length under 30 cm (12 in) or overall length under 60 cm (24 in)). Firearms disguised as another item (e.g. walking sticks, mobile telephones, etc.). Rockets and mortars. Air guns chambered for self-contained gas cartridges. (Existing owners prior to 20 January 2004 were allowed ownership subject to obtaining a firearm certificate.) Any weapon of whatever description designed or adapted for the discharge of any noxious liquid, gas or other substance. This would generally include stun guns, or electric shock devices, CS gas (tear gas), OC spray (pepper spray), etc. Cattle prods would not generally be included, but it would depend on the type.

[@allanpalmer3143]

Here in England, a cop will shout to a fleeing felon, "STOP, or I'll shout STOP again"!

[@Dusk.EighthLegion]

Ah, a learned man.

[@chrisellis3797]

"Stop running or i can't arrest you"

[@jeffcable9961]

For a while, I was a competition shooter. I only ever shot clays (skeet shooting in the USA) but to get my licence for a shotgun I had to follow the process laid down. You make the written application for a shotgun licence and pay the fee upfront and the regional police force make an appointment with you to send a firearms enquiry officer (FEO) to your home. This interview in your home is the first and most vital step in getting a shotgun licence. My interview lasted 90 minutes. I was asked many questions about my intended use of a shotgun and then many general questions on gun safety. The FEO asks about your intended storage solution for the shotgun which must usually be a formal gun safe bolted to a brick wall and a concrete floor. Once the interview is concluded, the FEO states that you will get the decision in writing in about 6 months time. I got my response in 4 months. During the remaining time the FEO contacts two referees, who must not be related to you and asks them about your suitability to hold a shotgun licence. The referees need to have known you for at least two years. The FEO also contacts your medical practitioner and asks to know about any medical history that may affect your ability to hold a shotgun licence. Finally, when the licence is issued it is only for a period of five years and it must be renewed following further examination by the FEO. You cannot buy a shotgun without the relevant gun licence in the UK and a gun may not be sold privately to anyone who does not have a licence. Even air pistols and rifles may only be held in England and Wales without a licence if they are sub 12 foot lbs in power. In Scotland and Northern Ireland all air weapons must be licensed. The penalties for selling guns to unlicensed people may be very severe with lengthy jail time being one available penalty. The gunsmith inspects your gun licence or shotgun certificate before he sellls you a gun. He then completes the paperwork to inform the FEO that a sale was made and lists all of the sale gun's identifying details. The licence holder must also notify the FEO that a gun has been purchaased and sends the gun's identifying details to the FEO. The theory is that the movement of guns is transparent and that a gun's whereabouts and ownership is always known. Finally, even just a small misdemeanor (say... speeding in a car) might get your gun licence revoked. This is because you may only hold a gun licence of any licence category while you are of good character.

[@magnetiktrax]

I live in The Netherlands. The cops here are amazing. They *do* carry guns, but they almost never use them. There was a story a while ago about some guy trying to attack his neighbour with a chainsaw, and one police officer shot him in the leg to disable him. In the US he'd have been peppered by bullets from a dozen officers.

[@Dusk.EighthLegion]

I spent my 18th birthday in The Netherlands, you guys are amazing as a general rule.

[@leejones2640]

There are many slang terms for the police in the UK, depending on your locality. In London, they are often called "The Old Bill" Don't know why. In Liverpool, they are the "Busies". Presumably, because they are perceived as busy bodies. In Manchester, they are "the dibble," after Officer Dibble in the cartoon Top Cat. There are many more, often insulting terms,which I won't go into, but the general term "cops" is most frequent. Btw, I am a retired Welsh "cop", so I know what I am talking about😊 Police in our Welsh language is Heddlu. Means literally peace force.

[@StewedFishProductions]

I'm 66 and I was told that the police were called 'Old Bill' as a nickname for the police following the 'Great War' (WW1) because it was 'the fashion' for police to grow (authorative) moustaches that looked very like the soldier character 'Old Bill' by cartoonist, George Bairnsfather (1887-1959), who created the archetypal 'Tommy' (a nickname for the British soldier). If you go to Google IMAGES and put in 'Old Bill' WW1 British cartoon character - you will see this famous character that was very popular at the time... The most famous of the cartoons is of 'Old Bill' in a shell hole saying to another, "If you know a better hole, go find it." - Appearing weekly across the UK, he was a household name depicting life in the trenches...

[@nbartlett6538]

I've also heard the police called the "feds", even here in the UK.

[@geoffpriestley7310]

I've been told the old bill refers to the registration plates on police vehicles registered in London it was BYL whether that's true I'm not sure

[@tmac160]

@@geoffpriestley7310 "Old Bill" was a cartoon character with a droopy moustache. Because these were fashionable among the police at the time they got the nickname Old Bill. It was also the nickname of the King, William IV at the same time, and he had a droopy tash as well.

[@eddhardy1054]

​@@tmac160 At last someone gives the correct reason 😊

[@normanmart7933]

The US seems to be far more stressful than here in the UK and the way police react , guns not helping , means that everyone is more or less dumped on the floor and handcuffed or so it seems! This seems to happen without assessing the risk of the person involved.

[@texastea.2734]

Ehh not all the time, it varies probably like the UK, like my home state texas it depends but for the most part the cops are chill with few local ones are but assholes

[@DTAGAFFA]

mainly farmers that have rights to get a licence and own a shotgun here

[@Mamble79]

Guns in UK are mostly held by farmers and hunters but are licensed.

[@luckyskittles8976]

I love watching the Blue Light youtube channel, such a different reaction of not only the cops but also the perpetrators.

[@robertengland4410]

Gun ownership is heavily legislated. most are land owners who can get a shotgun for work on the land. other than that you need to be a member of a gun club or have a very good reason for wanting to own one. some guns are outright banned in the uk. and you have to be vetted by the police before you are permitted to own a weapon. once that happens you are under another set of rules and restrictions

[@LilMonkeyFella87]

3:44 Henry Fielding's brother was John Fielding. He took over from his brother as the magistrate judge at Bow Street. He was also blind and said to be able to identify thousands of criminals just from their voices

[@Dasyurid]

As I recall there are three routinely armed police forces in the UK. The first is the Police Service of Northern Ireland, as mentioned in the video. The next is the Civil Nuclear Constabulary, which protects civilian nuclear sites. The last is the Ministry Of Defence Police, which protects military sites and is a civilian police service completely separate from the Royal Military Police, who are part of the armed forces.

[@markwakefield8533]

They were also known as the Peelers, the Bow Street Runners and the Bronze from the colour of their badges which was revived as a name for police in the original Mad Max movie.

[@Spiklething]

In the last ten years in the US there have been 8268 deaths caused by the police, both wrongful deaths and justified deaths. The US has a population around 5 times higher than the UK, so if the rates of deaths caused by police were similar in both countries, we would expect there have been around 1653 deaths in the UK (again, both wrongful and justified) Instead there have been 35. So you are 47 times more likely to be killed by police in the US than the UK

[@timsentance7806]

9 of those were terrorist

[@ChloeAndBetty]

Most 'assaults' on police in the UK will be verbal or non-hands on assaults, for most in Britain there is zero expectation of ever being confronted with someone with a gun.

[@JSandwich13]

Police in America seem so aggressive and rude for no reason. They have hardly any training over in America which probably contributed to all the aggression and we study for years to become a police officer and manage to resolve issues with minimal deaths without using firearms. Police in Scotland have been brought to the US to train their police officers in the past. I don't agree with the police in any sense, but I'd rather deal with UK police. Guns are allowed usually for hunting or sport. You have to have a licence, and it's extremely uncommon. I've never met anyone who owns a gun.

[@61shirley]

Total rhubarb. We only see the viral videos of aggressive cops, we don’t see the millions of peaceful interactions ever day.

[@JSandwich13]

@61shirley no, but you see police approach from a heightened state, always anticipating something. Aggressively shouting to "put your hands up," UK police just come in and assess the situation. Starting with aggression immediently puts everyone on edge and makes it more dangerous of a situation.

[@cmg6848]

No, British police are so restricted by woke politicians it's ridiculous. London is now a third world country of murder and disorder.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

Drunks laying a hand on a copper is classed as an attack.

[@fallyoverguy]

There's a video on YT you might find interesting, "Cops from around the world react to U.S. policing". It's very interesting to hear the perspective of actual police officers from other countries (including the UK).

[@jonenih]

9:10 why the hell would we want to do something to you😂😂😂. I nearly fainted watching that bit, hilarious!!! ❤ You guys

[@jeanneale9257]

Peace love from England ❤

[@The.Android]

We must be saved from drunken women and vagabonds.

[@magnetiktrax]

When I lived in London I was never afraid to approach a policeman to ask for directions, or some other help. Most of my American friends say they avoid the police at all costs.

[@kevinyoung5119]

In the UK training lasts between 2 to 2 yrs combining schoolroom and patrol with a supervisor while in the US the training is around 6 months schoolroom and 3 months patrol with a supervisor. That 9 months includes 71 hours firearms training and only 21 hours on de-escalating a situation.

[@JackulaHD]

To explain the UK Police's use of firearms. Imagine if all standard officers in the US were unarmed but SWAT retained firearms. Pretty much how it works here. Our "SWAT" is then split by ability and expected duties. You have your regular authorised firearms officer (AFO), your specialist (SFO) which includes any form of specialism such as sniper. Then you have your top tier Counter terrorism specialist (CTSFO) these are equivalent to your most elite SWAT units and things like the FBI's hostage rescue team. Their purpose was to provide police capability in replacement of relying entirely on the SAS special forces.

[@barnabywhite9336]

In my humble British opinion this was a good example of how not to make a comparison video about anything. Polar bears and penguins may I suggest ? I still love you two though, and many thanks for all your good attempts on our behalf’s. ❤❤

[@johnavery3941]

In the UK our police officers police by consent which I am not sure I can say that about the US police. Also it takes about 2 to 3 years of training in the UK before you can be passed. I understand it is less than 6 months in the US. If you give an 18 year old a gun after 6 months training is a recipe for disaster.

[@jayalexander1930]

Jesses face at 9.08!😂,you terrified her Mike!😂

[@colinstevens2691]

You should check out an episode of Police Interceptors. You’ll get a good perspective of how our road policing and firearms police work with real time footage

[@Howling-Mad-Murdock]

The aim for the chest thing is how armed police are trained to shoot here. Here it is because when lethal force is applied it’s supposed to be a life and death last resort and missing could result in something bad happening, so the police aim to stop the suspect by aiming for the biggest target, which is the chest area. I kinda understand the sometimes jumpy nature of US police, given the prevalence of guns amongst the population. It also seems like mental health care is not the best over there. An armed person in the middle of a psychotic episode is not the best combination.

[@rabsrealm]

Some firearms (not all) are permitted in the UK but ownership is heavily regulated.

[@bobspree]

Hi Mike / Jess I have just watched your Video comparing the UK and US Police. I thought you might like to see the video below showing how police in the city of Sheffield in Yorkshire deal with non-violent crime. How British Police Deal With Non-Violent Criminals | Crimefighters I have no idea how similar situations are dealt with in the US but thought you may find this video of interest. Keep your reaction videos coming, they are a welcome change from so many US Reactors. Regards

[@Tommy-he7dx]

The wage comparison only works when compares to the average salary. And the UK numbers are based on the whole country, NYPD is basically city wages, a better comparison would be to compare London Cop wages.

[@lordcharfield]

‘Professor Mike’ - “Illegal guns - I didn’t think they were allowed” lol 😂

[@maryallison4899]

Can I suggest a video to watch and react to? It's called "Why You Can't Buy Dasani Water in Britain" by Tom Scott.

[@module79l28]

One of the books used in police training in the US has a quote from a famous austrian moustache-model from the 1930's on the first page. No further comments are necessary.

[@rosa32]

You guys should check out how British police deal with non-violent crimes. I think you'll find it interesting. I've seen other Americans react to it and were shocked (in a good way).

[@isuckatguitar6252]

As a Brit, I assume an assault could be anything from a poke, spitting at an officer etc to actual bodily harm and everything in between.

[@billygnasher]

Your right 7 years ago, fast forward to today it’s a shambles here two tier policing 😢 UK 🇬🇧

[@davidc2733]

Bullsh1t, don't believe the nonsense peddled by the usual suspects in the press.

[@victordevonshire807]

The Dutch police are brilliant.

[@mral8145]

I haven’t watched the video yet, but I often hear that the UK has a police service and the US has a police force! And now to watch the video.

[@paulmaxey6377]

The slang name Bobbies (or the older nickname of Peelers) derives from the creator of the modern Police Force, the then Home Secretary Robert Peel, who later became the Prime Minister.

[@WK1745]

Private citizens in the UK are not allowed to have handguns at all. Anyone who has one is therefore committing a criminal offence. In general violent deaths are more likely to be caused by knives, which is a big problem amongst young people. Police officers tend not to be confrontational unless under direct threat but anti stab vests are now common issue.

[@abarratt8869]

Gun ownership here is heavily licensed, and certain categories (pistols?) are outright banned. There is plenty of gun sport (target shooting of various forms), but it's strictly controlled. If you walk through the street carrying any kind of gun, you can expect to get into a lot of trouble very quickly! People do go out hunting with shotguns (e.g. rabbits), but it's pretty much got to be private land. The differences in gun laws are quite stark. Here, unless you have a very good reason to be in possession of a gun when out and about (e.g. going from home to a sporting event), you've pretty much broken a lot of laws and the police can arrest. In the US, the impression I have is that someone with a gun probably hasn't broken any law right up until they actually fire it at someone (or get very close to that), so I imagine that it's a lot harder for the police to pre-empt bad outcomes.

[@same-asit-ever-was]

I live in Rural North Cornwall, our one and only Police station is Part time it closes at 5pm after that wee do have police but there are only 2 covering a 90 square mile radius/beat.

[@colinstevens2691]

Just for context. The 2 million assaults against UK police officers would include things like spitting at them, punching or kicking them or just trying to wrestle them to get away. This level of assault would account for a large percentage of the 2 million recorded cases

[@grumpygit-sv1cg]

One thing you need to remember is that everybody in the UK gets free at the point of use dental and medical cover. NHS

[@PhilipMarsh-cs9bx]

That was the point I was making👍

[@paulmaxey6377]

The lack of the general public owning guns helps in the low police deaths. The one that sticks out in my memory was the deaths of two female officers who answered a bogus report of a burglary. Dale Cregan, who had a quarrel with the police, set a trap of reporting a burglary to entice officers to his house. Nicola Hughes (23 years old) and Fiona Bone (32) were sent to investigate and when they went to Cregan's door he had guns and grenades and mortally wounded both officers. According to Wikipedia: 'Fiona Bone, 32, and Nicola Hughes, 23, were on routine patrol on 18 September 2012 when they were sent to Abbey Gardens in the village of Mottram in Longdendale in Greater Manchester, at about 11 am, following a report of a burglary.[7] This was the result of a 999 emergency telephone call from a member of the public, which was later found to be made by Dale Cregan, who had led the officers into a trap.[8] After arriving at the house where the burglary had been reported the officers came under attack, with 32 gunshots being fired from a Glock pistol within 31 seconds, and one M75 hand grenade being used.[1][2][9] Fiona Bone died at the scene while Nicola Hughes was badly wounded and died later in hospital.[10]' Cregan later said, after his arrest, that his only regret was that it was two female officers that he killed. This was deemed "nonsense" by Chief Superintendent Nick Adderley, the divisional commander, who points out that Cregan had plenty of time to see that it was petite female officers approaching the door of the house. Cregan was also found guilty of the murders of father and son David and Mark Short, two members of a criminal gang who Cregan was a friend of a rival gang of. He was sentenced to life imprisonment for the 4 murders.

[@robertwatford7425]

Lots of names for the police over the years: Bobbies or Peelers after Robert Peel, Rozzers, The Bill or The Old Bill, Babylon from the Jamaican slang, Plod or Fuzz. These are largely friendly. There are a few ruder names such as Filth or Pigs. The majority of legally held firearms are either shotguns or rifles, held by farmers or hunters. There are some pistols for competitive shooting. There are very strict rules about the firearms being locked away when not in use, how much and what type of ammunition is used, and where it is kept. Firearms can be collected but they must either be decommisioned or of an old type that cannot fire very quickly. Some firearms are available for film or TV production but they are very strictly controlled. Most weapons for film or TV are fakes of some sort that show a muzzle flash but cannot fire a real bullet. Most illegally owned firearms are in the hands of criminals.

[@keithbenfield9238]

I think one of the worst things in American policing is Qualified Immmunity which is an invented law in 1967 by court judges not by elected legislators, which is unheard of in the UK, and allows murder and numerous offences to be commited "lawfully" by all sorts of armed people, from police, store security to collage secutity people who should never be carrying guns.

[@SabrinskySoIntense]

The legal guns in the uk are for hunting (grouse, game birds, deer) and/or sport (clay shooting/professional/olympics etc) The illegal guns are a variety of shot guns, hand guns, converted BB guns/air pistols, antiques/ww2 relics, and homemade guns - most are brought in by criminal gangs based on the continent (Albania are bad for it, for example) But in terms of societal norms? Yea - it’s a hard no on guns from probably 90% of people. The govt/police service are good about keeping on top of the numbers too - there are well publicised amnesty box events (for people who inherit or find guns but don’t know if there’s any history on the weapon and also don’t want any part of a criminal investigation) so there are safe ways to dispose of guns. Obviously you’d notify police immediately if you just found a gun somewhere.. but the laws recognise how complicated issues around guns are and they operate fairly as a result of that.

[@davidricks7128]

Shotguns are used mostly by farm owners to protect live stock

[@spritbong5285]

The first type of Metropolitan Police in Britain were formed by Sir Robert Peel in the 1800's. Hence "Bobby's or Peeler's"

[@alecbuxton7634]

The problem with having laws against guns is that they don't stop people who have illegal weapons you can only arrest and convict people who hold illegal weapon once you find out about them

[@welshgit]

Look for the video "uk gun laws explained" - it's quite interesting - the rules are far less strict that you could imagine

[@daveborder7751]

You can own most guns in the UK-but you need a very good reason why you need one & there are lots of checks done on you- interviews, house visits, references & after recent tragedies they are looking at social media posts & getting in touch with your GP. Hunting isn't a thing among the masses here, only the rich in the country who do organised horseback hunts-so most people who own them are farmers & gun club members who do target practice/clay pigeon shooting etc. Very few people in the UK have any need for a gun & very few of us want one.

[@Tommy-he7dx]

The purpose of a police force is to enforce societies rules, the larger the police force the more broken the society.

[@hesketh1965]

London Calling: If visit my town or my country and you feel threatened or intimidated by a situation or if you’re a victim or witness to a crime call 999 and ask for the police.

[@emmahowells8334]

You guys should check out our gun laws and what we can and cannot own in the uk, there are videos on youtube that show this. Uk gun laws explained is a good one.

[@sceptic1961]

When U.S. police get less training than a Barber, you know you're in trouble. If you're comparing police this is a good video to watch. Cops From Around the World React to U.S. Policing

[@stevehartley7504]

22 weeks basic training but after there are 2-3 years training dependent on education Physically you have to be physically fit

[@richt71]

I think a lot of Americans are shocked you can own a gun legally in the UK including an ozi sub machine gun! To own a gun here legally you apply to your local police advising why you need a gun. They spend 3-6 months doing background checks on you including mental health ones before deciding. Even with a license you can't open or conceal carry a weapon. UK police officers outside the arm police unit that's attached to every major police force carry a baton and pepper spray with some tazier trained as well so can carry a tazier. Every time an armed police officer fires his weapon it is independently investigated in the UK. In fact as UK viewers will know an armed police officer was recently in court charge with murder for firing and killing a suspect when he tried to drive at an armed police officer. He was cleared of all charges. It then came out the suspect was wanted on murder charges for using an illegal firearm to shoot and kill a rival gang member.

[@Sir.T]

Guns are legal in the UK with a license but you have to have specific reason to own it (self defence) isn't a reason you can own one. As for illegal guns just like everywhere the UK has gangs, drugs etc and guns are in that world of people. Average citizens don't own illegal guns.

[@lordcharfield]

I live near police HQ in Derbyshire. I see cops with guns all the time, especially at the petrol station and in the hospital (A&E Department). There are gun units on constant patrol around the county (and every county), ready to be called upon when needed.

[@zo7034]

Maybe take a look at a video on guns laws in the UK, what's allowed and what's not.

[@kevinduffy4233]

Shotguns and rifles are allowed, farmers usually have shotguns, but anyone can own a shotgun especially if used for clay pigeon shooting, guns require a secured metal cabinet. Handguns are banned after Dunblane where young kids were killed in a school, videos are online.

[@GRAHAMEDWARDS-c9k]

In the Uk we police by consent unlike the USA where you police by force, in the Uk you can talk to the police about anything without any fear. They will help and assist you in any problems that you have, you can have a laugh and joke with them.

[@Rokurokubi83]

Guns in the UK are heavily regulated. As the video said, most legal guns are shotguns. Shotguns can be owned by farmers for such things as putting a severely injured cattle out of its misery. Single action bolt rifles (I think) are also legal, but you need to belong to a sports club for shooting. Handguns are illegal. For any legal gun ownership you need a valid reason for owning one (personal protection isn’t a good enough reason), have references, pass a police interview and background check and have police visit your premises so you can demonstrate where the gun and ammo will be securely and separately locked away. Over here I’ve seen one gun in my life (other than air rifles), and that’s because for a number of years I rented a cottage on a working farm and the farmer was heading down the field to deal with something - I chose not to ask.

[@lindamason570]

There is good and bad in every nation and all careers. We have to hope to find the best. ❤

[@mike5d1]

Gun ownership is allowed, but it is heavily regulated. In the UK you have to have a very good reason for acquiring a firearm and self defence is NOT classed as a good reason.

[@joshuaminke6629]

gun laws in the UK are basically you can own a gun, as long as it cant be concealed. so pistols are illegal, but rifles and shotguns are legal. but you have to pass very strict background checks and a psych evaluation before you can get a licence . and you cannot used them to bring harm to others, they are used for sports like clay pigeon shooting, or hunting

[@djs98blue]

You’d be surprised by the type of gun you can legally buy in the UK, up to and including some semi automatic assault rifles. The big difference is having one for self defence isn’t a legal reason to own one. You need to prove a legal reason to the police - mostly being a member of a sports shooting club or being a farmer etc - and store it securely. The police will check with periodic home visits, speak to your GP and other bits and bobs.

[@oopsdidItypethatoutloud]

Mike... I'm miffed at you kid. You've corrupted my brain. I keep having pictures of Jess cleaning and you.... ahemmm, approaching her from behind. 😮 ❤ from Northeast England ❤️

[@AndrewDavis-k5w]

Out of the 11 deaths since 2010 at least 3 of those were officers that died in car accidents whilst on duty

[@bashab3098]

Weapons , we in the uk don’t own guns and can’t buy them .

[@lyndoncmp5751]

We can if we have a valid reason and can pass the parameters.

[@hlc1975]

People in the UK usually can if they have a good reason and can prove they can keep them responsibly. I think the bigger difference is most people don't want them in the UK (although gun laws are very different in NI).

[@JackulaHD]

Guns are allowed in the UK but are heavily restricted in type, function and use. You require licencing to own a shotgun or rifle with oversight and inspections by the police. These rifles can only be semi auto (22 calibre) or manually operated such as bolt action (other calibres). All other firearms, including pistols come under section 5 and are impossible to legally own as an individual. A section 5 licence requires special written permission from the home secretary and is only given to companies like museums and firearm manufacturers.

[@YummyBrummy]

COP stands for Constable On Patol. Bobby because the man that created the first Police force was Robert (Bob) Peel. Hence the nickname BOBBY

[@nbartlett6538]

"Cop" absolutely does not come from any acronym.

[@lyndseybeaumont7301]

Because gun carrying officers are few and far between in the UK, they are rigorously medically tested. Mental health and physical health investigated. They are extremely highly trained. This can afford to be done because not all officers carry guns or need that training. Hand guns are illegal in the UK, but hunting rifles etc are allowed. However, you have to have an extremely valid reason to be given a gun licence and there are many rules that need to be adhered to. I’m so glad we don’t have guns like the US. I believe violence breeds violence. Kindness and understanding breeds the same back. Yes, there are always exceptions to the rule and people can be reckless. It only takes one person to fire a gun and a volley of bullets can be released back. We do, however have a large proportion of knife crime here. Not sure what we do to stop that. It’s a very personal crime.