The majority of UK police officers do not carry guns in the normal course of their duties. They all receive basic firearms training. Those who do better than most are offered the option of advanced training to become Authorised Firearms Officers. They are then formed into Armed Response Units (ARUs) -two to four officers in an SUV, wearing body armour, with a locked box in the boot (trunk) containing weapons. Typical weapons are the Glock 17 pistol, Heckler and Koch MP5 submachine gun or H&K G36 carbine. These units are only ever called in if there is a strong suspicion or clear evidence that the suspect has a firearm. Their primary training, like all Britsh police, is in de-escalation techniques.
Generally speaking, an officer (constable) on patrol would carry a telescopic baton and a pepper spray. Tasers are availiable but not all forces issue them and many officers prefer not to carry them.
What would have happened is that a single, unarmed officer would have approached Mr Floyd's parked car and sigalled to him to roll the window down. He (or she) would then have asked "Do you mind getting out of the car, sir? I need a quick word."
If Mr Floyd had complied, the officer would have asked something like: "OK, sir, we've had a complaint from the staff at (name of shop). They say you bought some cigarettes a few minutes ago and paid with counterfeit money. Were you aware that the money was counterfeit?"
Now much would depend on the way Mr Floyd behaved. If he seemed agitated or aggressive and the officer was alone, then they might back off and let him get back into his car and drive off -taking the number and arranging to have him stopped as soon as possible. If there were another officer present, they would call for back-up and move closer.
If Mr Floyd semed calm and cooperative, then the interview would continue. If Mr Floyd admitted to using counterfeit money, he would be arrested and cautioned: "You do not have to say anything, but it wil harm your defence if you fail to mention, when questioned, anything which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say can be taken in evidence."
If he denied knowing the money was counterfeit, then he would be invited to sit in the back of the patrol car. The officer would take his details and check if there was 'anything known', then would ask to examine his wallet. If a large amount of counterfeit cash was found, then arrest might follow unless some explanation was forthcoming as to where said cash had come from. If the rest of the cash was genuine, or if there was no more cash, then Mr Floyd would have been given the option of returning to the shop, with the officer, and paying for the items with genuine cash or his debit card (everyone here has a debit card). If he complied, that would be the end of the matter. Unless he was suspected of intoxication, in which case he might be requested to take a breath or saliva test for alcohol or drug use.
If a subject becomes aggressive. the first recourse is to talk them down, remaining calm and polite, but firm. Clear warning must be given that violence will not be tolerated. If a lone officer is attacked, or perceives a threat to the general public, they are required to use 'proportionate force', which might include tasering, pepper spray or baton strikes -usually at the legs or arms, never at the head. If necessary and possible, a lone officer with a suspect who will not calm down should back off and summon help.
If more officers are present, the aim is to get control of the limbs and get the suspect on the ground, then cuff them. Once the cuffs are on the idea is to get them sitting up as soon as safe and possible.
Of course, there are many potential scenarios. The availability of a Dog Unit in the area may make all the difference. It's amazing how one bark from a large German Shepherd can take the fight out of someone!
The British police are far from perfect, of course. What is key here is the difference in culture. American policing is based on a paramilitary armed force designed to protect property and its owners amongst an armed citizenry.
British policing -as conceived by Sir Robert Peel -is of a completely non-military force. Citizens in uniform, policing by consent and unarmed except with a truncheon. Since prior to Peels' reforms, the answer to public disorder was the army, even police ranks are different form military ones. We don't have Lieutenants and Captains, but Chief Inspectors and Superintendents. The basic principles remain those of the old Constables and Watches -to ensure those summonsed attend court and "to keep the Kings' peace".
