Norway police supports unarmed forces

OSLO, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Norwegian National Police Directorate (POD) supported the proposal of the Weapon Selection Committee to have unarmed police as the main model, newspaper Aftenposten reported Thursday.

POD, however, is open for increased use of armed patrols in downtown Oslo.

"There are many good reasons why the police will continue to be unarmed in the future," National Police Comissioner Odd Reidar Humlegard said.

The directorate's response shall be forwarded to the Ministry of Justice, Aftenposten wrote.

According to Humlegard, crew at the Oslo police district shall initially get increased armed forces, especially in the center center.

"We do not find other police districts with the same needs. But we also do not see reason that all patrols in Oslo should be armed, " he said.

Humlegard also stated that the decision was reached after a thorough consultation process.

Six police districts and one specialized organ wanted to continue the current model with unarmed police.

Three police districts recommend that the police should have uncharged weapons, while three police districts and one special organ called for general arming of police, he said.

"In addition, we have received a number of suggestions for intermittent solutions and clear signals about the need for greater flexibility. We have listened to this," Humlegard added. Enditem