The average police officer in England doesn’t carry a gun. Why not? Jon Kelly reported:

• In Britain’s early years the army wore red. To assuage fears that the police would be an oppressive force, they adopted a blue uniform and avoided the use of guns.
• It’d be difficult to arm all of the police today: weapons are expensive, and periodic training even more so – especially in a time of government austerity.
• Officers would also prefer not to have to make the split-second decision of taking somebody’s life.
• Police feel that they would be seen as less approachable if they carried guns.

You can read more about the police units that do carry guns, as well as what the British public feels about it over here.

Source: BBC