Surrey Police Classifies Armed Market Patrols as ‘Routine’

Surrey Police has stated that the presence of armed police officers conducting patrols at various Christmas markets throughout the county constitutes “routine foot patrols”. The police force faced criticism on social media regarding this decision, subsequently leading them to disable comments and describe the feedback as “purposefully divisive and inflammatory”. According to Ch Supt Justin Burtenshaw, who serves as Surrey Police’s head of protective security, “Armed police are deployed 24 hours a day and they have several responsibilities.” He further explained, “One of these is a standing authority that enables us to patrol throughout the year, to deter serious crime and terrorism.” Ch Supt Burtenshaw also stated, “There are no particular threats to Surrey but we look at where the high footfall is, and at this time of year lots of people are at Christmas markets.” The police service indicated that these patrols have been conducted in Surrey for the past eight years. Jane Ogden, a professor of psychology at the University of Surrey, commented, “Police on the streets is a good thing but the visibility of a gun is something else.” She further expressed, “I have always been proud we don’t have guns on our street.” For updates, follow BBC Surrey on Facebook and X. Story ideas can be submitted to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.