Safety of the public is our top priority

Public safety convener Councillor Maureen Bennison was glad to have the chance to discuss the issue with top cops.

She said:“I understand the sensitivities over having weapons on our streets, even in the hands of highly trained police officers, so it was crucial the council had the opportunity to ask questions and receive assurances from Chief Inspector Boulton and her officers.

“At all levels of the ARV units there is training, competency, accountability and responsibility so that was comforting to hear. The safety of the public is ultimately our priority and the police are the same.”

Tory councillor Ross Oxburgh added: “I was reassured at hearing about the rigorous systems in place that control the deployment of live weapons on our streets. We should always remember these specialist officers step forward into situations that require huge professionalism and cool judgement.”

Fellow Tory councillor Neil Benny said:“This was one of the most important questions sessions the committee will ever have.

“At the end of the day an armed response unit from the police attending any incident can result in someone being killed.

“The public must have the confidence that the procedures, training and constant assessment of how armed police should be deployed are constantly and diligently maintained.”