Dundee’s council chief is to write to the Scottish Justice Secretary expressing concerns about the routine arming of police.
Outgoing chief executive David Dorward has been tasked with writing to Kenny MacAskill regarding the controversial issue.
Members of the public are becoming increasingly concerned over the issue, which recently saw armed police involved in stopping a car for speeding in the city.
A large presence of police including armed officers tasked with protecting Commonwealth Games skeet shooting athletes at Dundee’s Apex Hotel, also drew criticism from local people.
The suggestion was raised by Labour leader Kevin Keenan at a meeting of the city council’s policy and resources committee.
He told members: “There’s a real issue here and democracy needs to be heard.
“There has been huge coverage of people’s concerns in the press, particularly during the Commonwealth Games, which was clearly not a dry news patch.
“People are outraged. Of course, there is a need for police to be armed from time to time but we have to make it clear that the correct checks and balances need to be in place,” he added.
Chief Superintendent Eddie Smith, who represented Tayside Division at the meeting, said: “I share these concerns and the chief constable (of Police Scotland) also shares that concern.
“We have no intention of routinely arming police officers.”
He also added that in his role he is responsible for signing-off on the arming of officers a decision he never takes lightly, he said.
SNP administration leader Ken Guild also added that he believed the protection of the Apex Hotel throughout the duration of the Commonwealth Games was entirely necessary.