Should police officers carry guns on everyday duties?

That's the question being posed to people around Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys.

Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon wants local opinion to help his long-term thinking.

He said: "Dyfed-Powys has more than 70 officers trained to use firearms when the need arises; however, they routinely carry their pistols when also undertaking everyday tasks.

"I'd like to know if the public want this practice to continue or whether I need to give it further thought."

Mr. Salmon's online poll was triggered by a recent move by Police Scotland to have force guns present only at firearms incidents.

Mr. Salmon said: "It's my job to listen to the public. My decisions will reflect their views.

"Following controversy in Scotland, I'd like to understand better how the public in Dyfed-Powys see this issue."

There are 74 specially trained authorised firearms officers across Dyfed-Powys. They respond to incidents where the risks suggest a need for firearms.

When not responding, they conduct routine patrols, where they keep their pistols in holsters.

The Commissioner's latest online survey follows a poll in which the public voted to assign an annual sum of around £300,000 from speed awareness courses to road safety activity.

This firearms survey is online now and will run until early May, with results published shortly afterwards.