§ Lord Windleshamasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the patrolling of high crime areas in Nottingham by police officers carrying firearms conforms with Home Office guidance to chief officers of police. [HL4409]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Bassam of Brighton)I understand from the Chief Constable that the patrolling of high crime areas in Nottingham by police officers who may overtly carry firearms is part of a targeted policing operation dealing with drug related crime in the area. This would conform with guidance provided by the Association of Chief Police Officers, which does not permit routine patrolling with firearms.