British Police Armed with 'Less Lethal' Guns

British police started carrying new guns that fire plastic bullets Tuesday as an alternative to more deadly firearms.

Police in Bedfordshire, north of London, became the first force to be issued with the so-called baton gun, which is described as a ``less lethal'' weapon to be used when the public or police officers are at risk.

But the new gun could prove fatal in some cases and officers will continue to carry a conventional firearm in case the baton gun fails to stop a suspect, police said.

It will be carried by Bedfordshire's armed response vehicles and 43 officers are authorized to use it.

The baton gun's introduction comes after three fatal shootings by British police this year prompted renewed debate about police use of firearms.

Of course,we wouldnt want violent criminals to be killed.

That would be inhumane.

Why dont they mention what those three criminals were doing before they were shot?