In numerous books I've read about Nazi Germany I have come across the concern that existed with maintaining the German Army as the "sole bearer of arms" (and hence the concern with an armed SS, or SA). Did police in either The Weimar Republic, pre-war Nazi Germany, or during the war carry guns? I know that until recently UK police didn't routinely carry guns, so the idea of an unarmed police force is not that far-fetched. If by "bearer of arms" what is meant is heavy weapons, then how was this distinction drawn - who as allowed what?