The (British) public attitude toward police, and this basic policing philosophy is the reason that Bobbies are traditionally not allowed firearms while on duty. It is NOT because the British are more civil, less violent, or the British public approves of gun control, (they do not), as so many socialist gun grabbing tyrants purport.
It is because the British believe that government employees carrying guns are nothing more than tyrants while subjects carrying guns are nothing more than free men.
Thank you, Navy Patriot. That is interesting. :-)