Nations Where Police Don't Carry Guns: Norway and Beyond

While the concept of police forces not carrying guns may seem unusual, certain nations indeed practice this method to ensure public safety and reduce the risk of firearms falling into the wrong hands. Countries like Norway exemplify this approach, showcasing unique and alternative methods to equip their police officers.

Norway: An Unarmed Police Force

Norway is one of the countries where police officers do not typically carry firearms as part of their regular duties. This policy reflects a broader approach to public safety and community trust. Instead of relying on guns, Norwegian police officers are equipped with a wide range of non-lethal and non-disruptive tools that enhance their ability to mitigate crises.

Commonly carried equipment by Norwegian police include:

Level 3A body armor Extendable baton 2 pairs of handcuffs OC spray (non-lethal pepper spray) Multitool flashlight/torch Double-magazine pouch with mags for their pistols Flashlight/torch Devices for quickly attaching holsters Tasers (part of a trial program)

In patrol cars, Norwegian police have access to:

Ballistic helmets Plate carriers Ballistic/riot shields Emergency medical equipment 2 pistols 2 submachine guns

Procedure for Arming the Police

In Norway, police officers must radio their supervisor for permission before arming themselves, except in emergency situations where they can take action first and report later. During heightened security threats, such as periods of elevated terrorist threats, the Police Directorate may issue a temporary nationwide order to arm all patrol officers. This order typically remains in effect for up to 4 weeks.

Modernization Efforts

Norway is currently in the process of modernizing its police force, with the inclusion of Tasers in the trial program. This initiative aims to explore the feasibility of using Tasers as a non-lethal alternative to firearms in certain situations, helping to minimize the risk of accidental shooting and ensure officer and suspect safety.

Below is an image of a typical officer's belt, both in front and behind, emphasizing their non-lethal equipment options.

Other Countries with Unarmed Police Forces

While no country entirely prohibits police from carrying guns, some nations have policies similar to Norway's. For example, in New Zealand and the United Kingdom, police officers generally do not carry guns on a daily basis but can obtain weapons if needed by following specific procedures.

Security Measures in Detention Centers

When an officer in uniform enters a "sally port" to discharge a prisoner, they must check their weapons before entering the detention center or jail. They retrieve their weapons as soon as they leave the facility. Within detention centers or jails, only tower or perimeter guards, or special response officers, carry weapons. These individuals are positioned to protect the facility from the inmates. Weapons are issued under the direction of the warden or the highest authority present.

The rationale behind this policy is:

Preventing a single officer from being overpowered by multiple inmates. Reducing the risk of weapon misuse, which could lead to further crimes and destruction within the facility.

This cautious approach helps maintain a balance between public safety and the need to de-escalate potentially violent situations.

Conclusion

The approach to modern policing is evolving, and countries like Norway demonstrate innovative and effective methods to provide public safety without the reliance on firearms. These practices not only enhance officer safety and community relationships but also contribute to a more peaceful and controlled law enforcement environment.