Having experienced both sides of the pond for long periods, I'd tend to agree, especially in cities. Part of their training cultures though, but different problems need different solutions.
To be fair, the armed response units in the UK look intimidating, but usually more than approachable still & trained to shoot as a last resort. They usually wear black body armour and vests too. Local "bobbies" are trained to employ passive techniques where possible, hence no gun except sometimes a tazer.
Agree about the intimidation. I think most of the world adopts a de-escalation approach to policing whereas the US adopt an escalation approach of intimidation and force, hence the menacing feel.
The former in theory reduces tension and calms to de-escalate the situation to resolve, the latter is designed to "scare" & confuse the offender into submission via aggression.
Personally, the former works best in the UK.
Caption this Meme
