The situation on the British isles is not unique, allthough the gun laws are stricter, we have much of the same story here.
In general our police officers are unarmed, but most patrol vehicles have the service arms locked down in a steel crate that can be opened on authorization from police HQ or in extraordinary situations.
I can fully understand the idea of an unarmed policeman as he can address the public in a more peacefull manner and communicate with the authority of his uniform, without being a possible threath.
I have used the same tactic on road blocks and on guard duty, being backed up by two armed buddies and a machinegun there's really no need to carry a sidearm as long as the situation don't call for it.
Works fairly well both with drunk hooligans and enraged demonstrants, plus it will take the focus away from the backup team.
As for self defense, the law here are strict, we are not allowed to use more force than we are faced with here, being that the precense of a gun in the hands of an intruder or robber is generally not enough excuse to actually shoot the bugger.
Being shot at opens for returning fire, but deadly force is still in a grey zone...
And in Norway civilians are not allowed to carry weapons of any kind for other than "righteous purposes", unlike the criminals who don't give a toss about the law.
So robbing a guy in an alley on a dark night is fairly easy, while trying to break into a hunting lodge with 4-5 armed hunters sitting inside would be more dangerous.
That much said, the criminal societies here have more fear of the treasury department than police.
The police have to act according to their regulations and budgets, while the treasury department will relentlessly pursuit any source of irregular income and virtually tax the perpertators to death.
Being sendt to jail in Norway is no really punishment for a criminal, but if his Ferrari, his complete Boss and Armani wardrobe, and his jewelry is imponded by the treasury department...well, that hurts!
Oh by the way, I'm always on my way for a hunt or heading for the shooting range...
