Reluctant as our courageous police force is to carry firearms, even with the increase of armed violence throughout the country, police officers will soon be forced to be armed at all times.

However, officers on probation should be kept away from dangerous situations if possible.

Unfortunately, things do go wrong at times with tragic consequences.

Reflecting back to the Second World War, after six weeks basic training, soldiers were deemed ready for combat - not sitting ducks as our police officers are now.

-Ron Wood, Brighton