The news last week that the London police would begin packing heat may have been a bit overplayed. Some will. But bobbies on the beat will remain without guns, leaving them comparatively defenseless next to their well-armed foreign brethren.
CITY STANDARD POLICE WEAPONS
Bogota .38 cal. special with a 4-in. barrel, either Smith
& Wesson or a stainless-steel Ruger; nightstick
Johannesburg Z-88 9-mm automatic or P-38 service pistol
London A 12-to 15-in. wooden truncheon
Los Angeles 9-mm Beretta with 16 rounds; 21-in. aluminum baton
with a short side handle for two-handed leverage;
small canister of pepper spray Star 9-mm
Parabellum pistol
...
