A reduction in the threat level in Northern Ireland raises a question over the criteria for arming all PSNI officers, a new report has said.
The Policing Board also said the fact that the weapons are rarely discharged means the force should consider the issue as part of its long-term plans.
Unlike in the rest of the UK and the Republic of Ireland, in Northern Ireland all police officers currently carry Glock handguns. The board has published its annual human rights report, along with a special report examining the use of force by the PSNI. The report into use of force contains a chapter on firearms.
