(09 Jan 2017, 11:16 am)MrFozz wrote A taser would be no good against an armed person, having a side arm may give the police a chance if such a situation occurred
A taser is more of a deterrent than someone completely unarmed. It's bright yellow too so highly visible whereas a side arm may be more stealthy.
IMO giving actual firearms to all officers is a bit overkill and is potentially open to abuse (as much as I'd hate to think it). It's something I've never agreed with America doing.