So who is trolling now? Im not saying a firearm is always the answer, however sending someone that isn't equipped is irresponsible and irrational. Would you you want that to be your job? In your profession, do you expect to have everything you need to complete the task safely? If so, why should an officer expect less.
Maybe our efforts should be directed less at the firearm (and taking that way), and more at proper training. I won't even get into trying to curb criminal behavior, even though I think this is one of the bigger areas that needs looked at (yeah I noticed you avoided the 2nd question of my original post).