If they fervently believe in this, why are there specially trained officers in high risk areas? Certain people more important than others to protect?
If they fervently believe in this, why are there specially trained officers* in special/certain high risk areas?
Certain/special people are more important than others to protect!
*How many of these specially trained officers are retired or active duty SAS?
The British police developed in a very different environment than US policing. They take it as an article of faith (and historically it has worked) that most policing does not require firearms. Armed police are on call if a situation turns violent. (Much like SWAT backs up US police).
The issue is that in certain areas, crime is no longer the greatest problem. Instead, it is the threat of either armed attack on a high profile target or violent unarmed assaults by religious fanatics.
The Brits successfully coped with IRA terrorists, and still feel that they can handle the current threat with the same tactics. I hope they are correct, but I doubt it.