Coming from a country where cops have guns, I have to say that here in UK crime is not worse or more violent than there.Many people that are gunned down are not criminals, just people going about their everyday lives. This is the problem people are talking about - not criminals being chased by the cops.
I suppose that criminals knowing that cops are not armed, tempt not to arm themselves by default.
Instead, in America all criminals carry guns.
Said this, here in UK a more robust enforcement is needed on anyone carrying a weapon.
They talked about a 5 year mandatory sentence for anyone carrying a knife, but as we know this is not happening.
I would suggest a 5 year mandatory sentence for anyone carrying a knife and 20 years for firearms.
Anyone against this mandatory sentences should serve 5 years at her majesty pleasure.