According to a recent survey conducted by Respons Analyse for Bergens Tidende, 40 percent of respondents said no to armoring of the police, while 54 percent supported the idea. FRP voters are the most positive about the permanent armament. 76 percent of those surveyed said yes. They are followed by the voters from the Conservative Party with 67 percent and the Center Party with 54 %. Most negative voters are from Red where only 22 percent said yes to armed police. Women are also more positive group to the idea of police carrying guns.
Director of Joint Police Association (PF), Arne Johannessen finds the results gratifying. He says people see that the criminals will be tougher and it leads to increased risk for the public and for police staff. Johannessen believes permanent armament may be essential for solving missions safely.
