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94-757: The Specialist Firearms Command ( MO19 ) is the firearms unit of the Metropolitan Police Service . Formed in 2005, the Command is responsible for providing a firearms-response capability, assisting the rest of the service, which is not routinely armed. At its formation in 1829 , the police service did not routinely carry firearms, but the Home Secretary later authorised the Commissioner to purchase fifty pairs of flintlock pistols for use in emergencies—such as those that involved

188-637: A PASGT style ballistic helmet , rather than a peaked cap or custodian helmet . Firearms issued to the police are adapted so that they can only fire semi-automatic . Specialist police firearm units are present in foreign Law enforcement agencies in which firearms are routinely carried by officers. These units are provided with increased firepower, more equipment and training than regular officers. Foreign firearms units are not intended to deal with routine firearms incidents, as they are attended to by officers who routinely carry firearms. Such units are normally only called upon when firearms incidents are of such

282-449: A paramilitary organisation. Despite this, Home Secretary Sir Robert Peel gave the commissioner authorisation to purchase fifty flintlock pocket pistols for use in exceptional circumstances. As time progressed, the flintlocks were decommissioned, being superseded by early revolvers . During the 1880s, burglary (or "house breaking" as it was then called) was a common problem for police. "House breakers" often carried firearms, due to

376-556: A psychological profiler to assess the hostage takers state of mind, such as whether they have been forced into the situation through avoiding arrest or have a wider objective. If negotiations deteriorate to a point where hostages are placed at risk of immediate death or injury, an assault by SFOs may be authorised. In a minority of cases, the police may hand over responsibility to the British Army Special Forces . The structure of police assault teams vary, but

470-466: A 12-month trial period in 2004, tasers became authorised on a full-time basis. Firearms units in large forces are headed by a chief superintendent , superintendent , four chief inspectors , three inspectors and six sergeants , with up to fifty to sixty constables . In certain smaller forces, the firearms unit is headed by a superintendent, four chief inspectors, two inspectors, four sergeants, with forty to fifty constables. Firearms units maintain

564-430: A bomb attached to the person. In all situations, the officer is to make the decision when to shoot. However, they are accountable in court and are asked to justify their actions in a court of law . Upon an emergency call being received about an incident involving firearms, an Armed Response Vehicle crewed by AFOs would be dispatched. The AFOs first on scene would attempt to contain an armed subject if they are inside

658-435: A building, whereas if they were in the open where an immediate threat is posed a quicker solution would be sought. If a subject is inside a building which is barricaded, AFOs would most likely assault the building as long as it does not require specialist entry or the motive of the subject is terrorist affiliated. If the building required specialist entry or a terrorist gain, specialist firearms officers would attempt to assault

752-503: A circular yellow sticker on the body of the vehicle, and some have "ARV" printed on the vehicle. Metropolitan Police firearms officers usually patrol on-foot more often than those outside London, due to the large geographic area the Metropolitan Police are responsible for and the number of sensitive government buildings in need of armed security. They can also be found at major demonstrations, and large social events such as

846-732: A direct result of the Munich Olympic games massacre, D11 was formally given an operational role in Counter Terrorist and serious armed crime operations. Its officers qualified using the Smith & Wesson Model 28 or Model 19 .357 revolvers, Browning Hi-Power semi-automatic pistols, the Heckler & Koch MP5 SD (Suppressed) submachine gun and the Remington 870 shotgun with some officers being trained and authorised to use

940-478: A firearm includes both pointing it at a person and discharging it (whether accidentally , negligently or on purpose). As with all use of force in England and Wales, the onus is on the individual officer to justify their actions in court. Certain police forces that have high gun crime rates have set up an FIU to gather intelligence on gun crime, or certain parts of the community it may affect. Possibly one of

1034-842: A further reorganisation in 2005, SO19 became CO19, due to the department's move to the Central Operations Directorate ; at the same time, the department was renamed from the Force Firearms Unit to the Specialist Firearms Command. The unit maintained its training role and continued to train the Met's 4,800 officers who were redesignated as authorised firearms officers (AFOs). The level 2 officers underwent enhanced training and those that passed joined selected Level 1 instructors to become Specialist Firearms Officers (SFOs). SFO teams replaced

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1128-692: A locked armoury which is situated in the boot of an Armed Response Vehicle. Equipping of semi-automatic carbines rests on a judgment of the AFO. United Kingdom law allows the use of "reasonable force" in order to make an arrest or prevent a crime or to defend one's self. However, if the force used is fatal, then the European Convention of Human Rights only allows "the use of force which is no more than absolutely necessary". Firearms officers may therefore only discharge their weapons "to stop an imminent threat to life". ACPO policy states that "use" of

1222-480: A matter of routine. ARV officers provided rapid response to spontaneous firearms incidents, such as armed robberies, being the first such organised system the capital had witnessed. Early ARV officers were issued with Smith & Wesson Model 10s , with others being trained in the use of the Heckler & Koch MP5 semi-automatic carbine . The Model 10 was later replaced by the Glock 17 semi-automatic pistol. Following

1316-423: A muzzle loader three important advances were incorporated. Firstly, it has a rifled bore; secondly used an expanding bullet that improved accuracy out to 600 yd (550 m) and greatly reduced reloading time; and thirdly incorporated percussion cap ignition of the black powder charge. Re-equipment of the army with this new firearm, which was adopted in 1851, continued through to 1855. The consequence of this

1410-668: A nature, that they require specialist intervention whereas the firearms units within the United Kingdom respond to all firearms related incidents, as UK police (with the exception of Northern Ireland) are not routinely armed. The New Zealand Police had a similar policy to the UK of no routine carriage of firearms by officers and established Armed Offenders Squads around their country to respond to firearms incidents. However, New Zealand police officers whilst still not carrying firearms are now being provided with ready access and training that

1504-642: A new certification known as Counter Terrorist Specialist Firearms Officer (CTSFO). This included the use of live rounds during close quarters combat (CQC) training and fast-roping from helicopters , to be able to respond more effectively to terrorist incidents. The training was conducted jointly with the United Kingdom Special Forces . On 30 June 2015, CTSFO teams participated in Operation Strong Tower held in London,

1598-641: A number of tactical advisors to aid senior officers in decision making during major incidents, and to provide a planning capability for planned firearms operations and VIP protection. The main responsibilities of firearms units in the UK are the response to emergency calls believed to involve firearms, and the arrest of armed, dangerous or barricaded criminals in official raids and operations. Specialist firearms officers receive enhanced training in dynamic entry tactics, for hostage rescue . Each police force operates an Armed Response Vehicle system, crewed by authorised firearms officers . ARVs were introduced into

1692-549: A place on a CTSFO course where they will begin to up-skill to their new role. As of April 2019, the following firearms are in use by the Specialist Firearms Command: Officers are also equipped with the non-lethal Taser X26s and X2s. All officers are also issued with the same basic equipment as other police officers, which includes ASP Baton , CS Gas , Speedcuffs , and radios. MO19 officers are equipped with bulletproof vests , instead of

1786-587: A reported strength of 130 officers. An operational CTSFO team works a 7-week shift-pattern which includes night duty. CTSFO teams are able to be deployed by air or the river, using armoured vehicles and motorcycles if needed. On 28 July 2014, the single armed response vehicle service was launched. In preparation for the Summer Olympics held in London in July 2012, officers were up-skilled from SFO standard, to

1880-698: A result of the 2018–19 restructuring, putting it under Met Ops while maintaining the title of SCO19. All aspects of armed policing in the UK are covered by guidance issued by the Association of Chief Police Officers in their Manual of Guidance on the Police Use of Firearms . This manual provides an overview of the basic principles such as rules of engagement and tactics involved in the use of firearms by police officers in different environments along with details of command structures that are in place in all planned and spontaneous firearms operations. As of 2007,

1974-544: A shooting doctrine for instruction in rifle shooting it was decided to form a special corps of experts, who would also develop and improve the rifles and those whom use them. In March 1853, the Army Estimates included the sum of £1,000 (about £127,800 today ) for Lord Hardinge to form an "Establishment for the instruction of the Army in rifle and target practice." In June 1853, Colonel Hay arrived at Hythe , Kent, with

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2068-402: A siege or hostage situation, an observation point is allocated and assigned a marksman . A deliberate action plan would be devised, briefing each member of the assault team on the entry points, and details of the assault. Negotiations are made allowing the hostage takers to issue demands, which are usually done to acquire time and avoid harm to the hostages. The negotiations would be attended by

2162-482: A small staff of officers. On 1 August, the first instructor, Colour Sergeant MacKay of the 19th Foot , was appointed. By 15 September, a further three instructors were on strength. They were Sergeant Ruston (3rd Battalion Grenadier Guards ), Sergeant Lobes (2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards) and Sergeant Morris ( 97th Regiment ). The first mention of the establishment of the school was in the Army List of 1854 when it

2256-413: A specified task - an advanced driver , a navigator and an observer who is responsible for scene assessment and liaison with other services. ARVs outside of the capital are crewed by two officers, with the observer assuming the role of navigator. Some forces have reserved a radio call sign for ARVs, such as "trojan" to make them easier to identify when using radios . ARVs in most forces are identified by

2350-408: Is believed to be intent on committing a suicide bombing. All officers are trained to fire once at the central mass in order to incapacitate a threat, then to re-assess the situation and the threat posed to justify any further shots. However, if Operation Kratos contingency plans are activated, an armed officer may shoot at the target's head, to kill, as a standard incapacitating shot risks detonating

2444-620: Is diminishing the role of the Squads. Examples of tactical units include Ireland 's Garda Emergency Response Unit and Australian Police Tactical Groups . The United States has tactical units referred to commonly as Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) units. Small Arms School Corps The Small Arms School Corps (SASC) is a small corps of the British Army , established in 1853 by Lord Hardinge . Its personnel provide advice and instruction to infantry weapon trainers throughout

2538-450: Is suspected to be carrying one. In all situations, a clear oral warning must be given of the officer's intention to use firearms, unless in a particular situation where it would be pointless or place life at risk. Firearms officers are also authorized to use their firearms for the humane destruction of animals, if the latter pose a significant threat. Firearms officers are not required to give an oral warning if they are approaching someone who

2632-697: Is the Counter Terrorist Specialist Firearms Officer teams, which deal with MPS operations and also national firearms operations as part of the CTSFO Network. They provide firearms support to borough and specialist units. They are multi-skilled and can deliver all elements of armed policing, including operations to combat major crime, hostage taking and terrorism. MO19 has seven CTSFO teams consisting of one sergeant and 15 constables, both male and female, with six CTSFO Inspectors and an Operational Senior Manager with

2726-464: Is the armed response vehicle, or ARV. Commonly referred to as the Trojans, ARVs are responsible for patrolling the city and to provide immediate armed support to other police units. ARVs conduct targeted patrols of high crime areas, and are trained to engage in high speed pursuits. Each ARV is crewed by 3 armed response officers: driver, communications operator and observer/navigator. The highest tier

2820-477: The Association of Chief Police Officers . The difficulty of this authorisation was realised, as desired officers were not always available. The decision to draw firearms from the secure cabinet in the rear of the ARV now rests upon the individual judgement of the firearms officer, with personal side arms being carried on each member as a matter of routine. For planned operations, a designated senior officer can authorise

2914-714: The BMW F800GS motorcycles used for deployments in central London. On 19 March 2017, CTSFO teams participated in maritime Exercise Anchor on the River Thames , their first joint major live-play exercise. On 22 March 2017, CTSFO teams rapidly deployed to the 2017 Westminster attack . CTSFO teams use the Jankel Guardian armoured vehicle based on a Ford F-450 chassis, as well as various other unmarked vehicles, including Toyota Land Cruisers , BMW X5s and Land Rover Discoveries . The CTSFO training facilities at

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3008-506: The British police in the early 1990s, to provide them with the capability to respond to firearms incidents. ARVs constantly patrol a geographical area, reducing deployment time. Most forces have purchased Volvo V70s for ARV duties, although the Metropolitan Police Service employs standard BMW area cars, adapted for specialist duty usage. The new 'standard' vehicle for ARV use, as of 2012, favored by most forces and soon to be adopted by

3102-806: The Chinese New Year . Diplomatic Protection Group officers are routinely armed as they are responsible for guarding government buildings classed as "high risk", such as foreign embassies, Downing Street , along with Westminster and Buckingham Palace . If a police forces geographical area includes an airport , armed officers would be assigned to the airport to assist in security. The Metropolitan Police's Aviation Security Operational Command Unit polices London Heathrow Airport , Sussex Police are responsible for Gatwick Airport , and Essex Police are responsible for Stansted Airport . In some forces major crime or specialist operational units have firearms capacities. The Metropolitan Police Service has

3196-735: The Civil Nuclear Constabulary which polices civil nuclear facilities, and the Police Service of Northern Ireland due to the IRA threat. On 13 January 2016, following the November 2015 Paris attacks it was decided to significantly increase the numbers of armed officers in London. The then Commissioner of the London Metropolitan Police , Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe has decided that he will double

3290-575: The Enfield Enforcer 7.62 mm sniper rifle and Heckler & Koch 93 semi-automatic rifle in 5.56mm for counter-sniper roles. Throughout the 1970s, the branch increased in size, with additional firearms instructors being recruited to meet the increase in the demand for firearms training. During the 1970s, D11 officers qualified their students in the Smith & Wesson Model 36 and the Model 10 revolvers. In response to operational demands,

3384-574: The Home Office announced plans to supply police forces in England & Wales with tasers as a Less-lethal option. Tasers are authorised for use in situations where an offender needs to be incapacitated, but without resorting to the use of conventional firearms. Tasers are authorised for use by Authorised and specialist firearms officers , along with other units who are not routinely armed such as public order Police Support Units . Following

3478-475: The Home Office over the civil police's role if there were to be another war, invasion or the newly posed threat of nuclear attack . The government dictated that the role of the police would still be to maintain law and order, even in times of emergency. However, despite the police not being a combatant force, in the event of war they were to have an offensive capability assisting the Armed Forces . It

3572-895: The Maxim gun , these were replaced by the Vickers machine gun shortly after formation of the Corps. In 1919, the name of the School of Musketry at Hythe was changed to the Small Arms School. In 1926, the school expanded to include the Machine Gun School at Netheravon , in 1931 absorbing the Chemical Warfare School at Winterbourne Gunner as the Anti-Gas Wing. On the occasion of the centenary of

3666-548: The Small Arms Wing of the School of Infantry to become permanent instructors for the service's newly formed firearms wing. Upon the officers' return to the service, they trained firearms officers. After the unit had changed its name from D6 to D11, the Instructors possessed a limited operational role that consisted of providing CS gas at sieges. This progressed to providing tactical advice and support and in 1975 as

3760-505: The armed response vehicles (ARVs) were introduced, with their concept influenced by West Yorkshire Police 's Instant Response Cars , as used in 1976. The vehicles were put under the control of the unit drastically increasing its manpower and necessitating its move to Specialist Operations and a new designation of SO19, the Force Firearms Unit. Following their success, forces outside of the capital later formed them throughout

3854-557: The flying squad , which is a group of specialist firearms officers used operationally to tackle organised crime groups and armed gangs. Before a police officer can apply to join the firearms unit, they are required to have completed their two-year probationary period . After being screened for security clearance and undergoing various interviews, they are invited to attend the National Police Firearms Training Centre at Gravesend , Kent. At

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3948-443: The "authorised shots" carried out routine policing duties. After the formation of firearms units, all trained officers in each force were brought together under one unit, with a structured training programme headed by senior officers. The concept of Armed Response Vehicles were not introduced until 1991, being first transitioned in London . Within London's Metropolitan Police , "authorised shots" were not completely phased out after

4042-528: The 1970s, rules regarding operational use of firearms dictated that they were to be worn in a holster on the duty belt , concealing the weapon until drawn. The rule was revised when armed police officers began to carry firearms other than pistols, the size of which meant they could not be concealed. The first instance of this was when armed airport officers of the Metropolitan Police Aviation Security OCU were issued with

4136-458: The Bulldogs were withdrawn from service and returned to stores. Lord Trenchard standardised the issue of pistols among divisions with the number of firearms issued depending on the size of the area; ten pistols with 320 rounds of ammunition were issued to divisional stations, six pistols with 192 rounds per sub-divisional station, and three pistols with 96 rounds to each section station. In 1936,

4230-718: The Command is responsible for training the 2,594 AFOs of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS). These include officers from Protection Command , Counter Terrorism Command , the Aviation Security Operational Command Unit , the Flying Squad (SCD7[5]) , the Territorial Support Group and the armed officers from MO19 itself. Potential AFOs are invited to attend the Training Centre after they have undergone

4324-468: The Commissioner applied to Peel for authorisation to supply officers in the outer districts with revolvers. The authorisation was issued on the condition that revolvers could only be issued if, in the opinion of the senior officer, the officer could be trusted to use it safely, and with discretion. From that point, officers who felt the need to be armed could be. The practice lasted until 1936, although

4418-649: The Corps in 1953, March of the Bowmen from the Robin Hood Suite by Frederic Curzon was adopted as the Corps March. In 1969, the school moved from Hythe to the Army training establishment at Warminster (now Waterloo Lines ), and was joined in 1995 by the wing from Netheravon. The headquarters of the SASC remains at Warminster to this day. The first badge of the school was crossed rifles surmounted by

4512-590: The MET police is the BMW X5. Many forces operate Road Policing Units , solely responsible for maintaining the traffic flow on UK motorways and A roads . Instead of creating both an ARV and an RPU, certain forces have merged them together creating " Traffic ARVs " which carry out normal road policing duties, until required for firearms incidents. Within London's Metropolitan Police , Armed Response Vehicles are crewed by three authorised firearms officers . Each AFO has

4606-530: The MPS Specialist Training Centre includes indoor and outdoor live-fire shooting ranges, an assault house for practising method of entry (MOE) techniques and train, subway and aircraft mock-ups. CTSFOs volunteers are recruited from serving ARV officers. A candidate has to be recommended by their supervisor, undertake a two-day assessment and pass both shooting and physical standards. If candidates pass this stage they will then be offered

4700-607: The National Firearms Training Curriculum, to cover the variety of roles covered by AFOs in the MPS. The courses range from firepower demonstrations (to highlight the dangers of firearms to new MPS recruits) and initial firearms courses, to Operational Firearms Commander (OFC) training and National Firearms Instructor courses. There were 683 courses run at MPSTC in the 2006–07 financial year. MO19 currently has four tiers of armed officers. The first tier

4794-432: The National Police Firearms Training Centre. The main role of an SFO is to intervene in situations that are beyond the control of AFOs, such as building sieges involving a hostage situation. Potential SFOs are extensively trained in the use of specialist firearms , method of entry techniques and abseiling 'fast rope' skills. Potential SFOs are also trained in safe entry into air and watercraft . Training also includes

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4888-471: The army, in order to maintain proficiency in the use of small arms and support weapons, and in range management. Prior to 1838, the majority of British soldiers were issued with the " Brown Bess " Land Pattern Musket, a smooth-bore, muzzle loading black powder flintlock musket which had seen service in one form or another since 1722. In 1849, Claude-Étienne Minié produced the Minié rifle , although still

4982-731: The art of the use of long arms to this day is sometimes known as musketry. A separate school of musketry was established at the North Euston Hotel in Fleetwood in 1861, but it closed after just six years. Machine Gun Training Centres had been established in 1914 at Grantham and by the BEF in Wisques , France. This was followed on 14 October 1915 by the creation of the Machine Gun Corps (MGC). Originally equipped with

5076-602: The authorisation to carry revolvers on outer districts was revoked, and at the same time Canadian Ross rifles were purchased in the prelude to the Second World War . A review in 1952 following the Derek Bentley case found 15% of firearms in service to be defective; leading to Special Branch and Royalty Protection Officers being re-armed with an early version of the Beretta semi-automatic pistol . As it

5170-540: The building. Pending authorisation from the Home Office to deploy SFOs, ARV officers would organise an inner and outer cordon. The inner being made up of armed officers, and the outer of unarmed to prevent members of the public gaining entry and prevent traffic entering the affected area. Efforts would be made to evacuate people in the immediate vicinity so that they are not at risk of stray gunfire, or confine them to their homes for their own safety. A control room would be established where emergency services can liaise and plan

5264-741: The centre, the potential AFOs undergo one week of intensive training on the Glock 17 pistol , Heckler & Koch MP5 semi automatic carbine , Heckler & Koch L104A1 baton gun and the X2 Taser . This is followed by training on the legal regulations regarding the police use of firearms and rules of engagement , a further six weeks of training is focused solely on ARVs , with an emphasis on driving techniques, high speed pursuit methods and safely executing controlled crashes. Authorized Firearms Officers applying to become specialist firearms officers , are required to attend an eight-week training course at

5358-481: The creation of AFO and SFO. Within London, sieges involving a terrorist objective or required specialist entry was dealt with by D11 . Whereas, all other siege situations involving an armed, barricaded criminal were dealt with by borough "divisional riflemen", supervised by a senior officer doubling as instructor from D11. The Metropolitan Police firearms unit has had a series of name changes, due to continuous changes in departmental units. When first formed in 1966, it

5452-448: The department underwent restructuring in 1987 becoming PT17 (Personnel & Training) and the introduction of non-instructors who formed level 2 teams. Their role was to deal with pre-planned and response operations not involving hostages or suspects with 'exceptional firepower'. These tasks remained the responsibility of the teams of Instructors who became Level 1 teams. In 1991 following the shooting and stabbing of several police officers,

5546-420: The deployment of carbines. Intervention from specialist firearms officers requires authorisation from the Home Office before the chief constable of the force can deploy them. Before the creation of authorised firearms officer and specialist firearms officer roles, each large police station had a small number of "authorised shots" (as they were then called). trained in the use of firearms. Until needed,

5640-531: The early to mid-1990s. Early ARVs contained a secure safe between the seats containing a .38 Smith & Wesson Model 10 for each member, with two 9 mm Heckler & Koch MP5 semi-automatic carbines secured in the boot. After ARVs became established, and the practice was accepted for widespread use, the Model 10 revolvers were replaced by more recent self-loading Glock 17s , firing 9 mm rounds. Revolvers and pistols could be removed from

5734-412: The front of it. The key to the box was held by a senior officer, whose permission had to be sought before the box could be opened. Rules of their use dictated that if the revolvers were to be issued, the names of the officers who they were allocated to be recorded, and they be checked of their condition and loaded by the section sergeant when the officers paraded for duty. In 1948, concerns were aired by

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5828-593: The king's crown. In 1929, the badge merged with that of the Machine Gun Corps, which consisted of two crossed Vickers machine guns , surmounted by the king's crown. This led to the current cap badge being created: a Vickers machine gun, surmounted by a crown and surrounded by a laurel wreath. The title Small Arms School Corps came into being at this time. The SASC does not directly recruit civilians, and only accepts applications from soldiers who are already qualified Skill at Arms (Weapons) Instructors serving in

5922-585: The largest counter-terrorism exercise conducted in the United Kingdom. The MPS released statistics that between January 2015 and December 2015 CTSFO teams were involved in 144 operations. On 3 August 2016, the MPS held a press conference for the announcement of Operation Hercules , displaying the CTSFO teams to the public wearing wolf-grey-coloured tactical uniforms, equipped with SIG Sauer SIG516 and SIG MCX carbines, Glock 17 handguns, Remington 870 shotgun, Accuracy International AT308 sniper rifle, and paraded

6016-561: The law of the day permitting members of the public to own firearms. After a series of fatal shootings of officers on the outer divisions of the Metropolis , and after much press coverage debating whether the service should be routinely armed, the commissioner applied to the Home Secretary for authorisation to allow officers on the outer districts to carry a revolver if they wished to at night. A revolver could only be issued if, in

6110-513: The most commonly deployed are: Such an assault may be preceded by "ferret" CS gas canisters fired into the property, to concuss and soften resistance. Following an assault firearms officers have made the premises safe, by clearing it out of offenders and making both police and offenders weapons safe. Scenes of Crime Officers will forensically seal both police and other weapons for examination to discover if either have been discharged, and to be used as evidence in court. The usage of firearms by

6204-578: The most notable FIUs is the Metropolitan Police 's Operation Trident & Trafalgar , which initially only investigated gun crime involving the black community but has since expanded to investigate all shootings. FIU also works to identify criminals who are known to have access to firearms. Firearms and equipment in service vary between forces, due to individual police authorities ' and chief officers ' independence in deciding equipment for their service. Despite being armed, AFOs carry

6298-464: The newly sanctioned Heckler & Koch MP5 semi-automatic carbine . Before a major reconstruction of the rules regarding operational use of firearms, high-ranking officers such as chief inspectors or superintendents could authorise firearms officers to draw weapons from an Armed Response Vehicle (ARV), in the event of an "immediate threat to life". In a less threatening situation, authorisation had to be gained from an on-call senior officer of

6392-447: The number of armed officers and promised a 'significant' further announcement. Police use of firearms has been a slow and controversial process, usually due to resistance from senior officers regarding firearms and adverse reactions from the public. During the Second World War , firearms were only carried on protection duties, such as guarding Downing Street , Buckingham Palace and locations at risk from enemy sabotage . However,

6486-544: The old Level 1 and 2 structure becoming full-time tactical teams dealing with all pre planned armed operations (robbery ambushes, warrant service and hostage situations etc.) within the Met and providing specialist support to the ARVs. In January 2012 the branch underwent another name change, becoming SCO19 due to the merger of Central Operations (CO) and Specialist Crime Directorate (SCD) to form Specialist Crime & Operations. Since then SCO19 has again been re-designated as MO19,

6580-407: The operation, along with a mobile canteen nearby. The police would employ the Gold Silver Bronze command structure , with a Gold Commander being a senior officer overseeing events from a nearby police station , the Silver Commander who would oversee events from the on-scene control room, and the Bronze Commander who would be as close to the incident as possible. In the preliminary stages of

6674-413: The opinion of the senior officer, the officer could be trusted to use it safely and with discretion. From then on, all officers who felt the need to be armed, could be so. The practice lasted until 1936, although the vast majority of the system was phased out by the end of the 19th century. During the late 19th century, revolvers were issued to divisional police stations . The number of revolvers stored at

6768-612: The police is covered by statute (such as the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and Human Rights Act 1998 ), policy (such as the Home Office Code of Practice on Police use of Firearms and Less Lethal Weapons and the ACPO Manual of Guidance on Police Use of Firearms ) and common law . AFOs may only carry firearms when authorized by an "appropriate authorising officer". The appropriate authorizing officer must be of

6862-475: The police were supplied with many firearms such as the Canadian Ross Rifle and P14 Enfield as part of the anti-invasion preparations of World War II . Due to equipment shortages, firearms issued to the police were often in poor condition and sometimes lacked a holster to accommodate the weapon, leading to them being concealed in the uniform tunic or tucked in the waistline of the trouser. In

6956-616: The rank of inspector or higher. When working at airports , nuclear sites, on Protection Duties and deployed in Armed Response Vehicles in certain areas, 'Standing Authority' is granted to carry personal sidearms . All members of the Police Service of Northern Ireland have authority to carry a personal issue handgun as a matter of routine, and may carry it whilst off duty. In all forces, usage of other weapons such as semi-automatic carbines requires further training and authorisation. Semi-automatic carbines are stored in

7050-399: The rules outlined are compliant with the European Convention of Human Rights and the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 . Firearms officers are authorized to fire upon a suspect if they pose an "immediate threat to life", such as if an armed offender brandished a firearm at a member of the public or police officer. They may also fire if an offender is clearly in possession of a firearm, or

7144-453: The same duties. The radios are specially adapted so that the officer is not forced to release the grip on the firearm. SFOs would be more likely to wear fire retardant coveralls with webbing including "belt order" kit. During the early 1990s, most services adopted white dress shirts for officers, rather than the previous light blue. In most services, AFOs wear a black polo style shirt with standard black trousers. AFOs and SFOs often wear

7238-481: The secure safe by ARV members, if an "immediate threat to life" was posed, in the opinion of the ARV member. Authorisation to remove carbines required authorisation from the control room once they had contacted an officer of Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) rank. If a high-ranking officer could not be sought to gain authorisation, such could be given by a Chief Inspector in an emergency. In recent years ARV members have carried their personal pistols on them as

7332-524: The standard stabproof vest which only has low-level ballistic capability. Notable operations and incidents involving officers from the SFC: Firearms unit The number of firearms legally available to criminals is low due to the United Kingdom's gun laws requiring licensing and background checks to legally acquire and possess most types of firearms. In the majority of cases, the presence of an armed officer can often be enough to negotiate

7426-458: The standard-issue telescopic or rigid baton , CS / PAVA incapacitant spray , and Speedcuffs on the duty belt . Instead of wearing the standard-issue stab vest , AFOs and SFOs wear a ballistic vest which affords greater protection from gun shots . Instead of carrying one TETRA radio like that of an unarmed officer, AFOs carry two, with one being for the service frequency and the other to communicate solely with other firearms officers on

7520-409: The station depended on its size, and geographical location. In the Metropolitan Police the issue of firearms to stations was standardised with; ten pistols with 320 rounds of ammunition issued to divisional stations, six pistols with 192 rounds per sub-divisional station, and three pistols with 96 rounds to each section station. The firearms were kept in a locked box, with rules of their use attached to

7614-483: The surrender of an armed criminal and the number of times a police firearm is deliberately discharged at suspects in the UK rarely exceeds around three occasions per year. For example, Thames Valley Police has only fired at a suspect once in its entire history. Only three services in the United Kingdom routinely arm officers due to the nature of their work; the Ministry of Defence Police which polices MOD property,

7708-423: The use of tear gas and stun grenades , safe handling of hostages and rescue techniques, computer simulated 'war games' of potential threats such as a major evacuation or terrorist attack, and training in the use of protective clothing against CBRN attack. The guidelines regarding operational use of firearms and rules of engagement are dictated by the Association of Chief Police Officers , making sure that

7802-448: The use of firearms. As time progressed, the obsolete flintlocks were decommissioned from service, being superseded by early revolvers . At the time, burglary (or "house breaking" as it was then called) was a common problem for police, and "house breakers" were often armed. Due to killings of officers by armed criminals in the outer districts of the metropolis , and after public calls debating whether Peel's service should be fully armed,

7896-448: The use of the Heckler & Koch L104A1 "baton gun" , which fires an attenuating energy projectile . The "baton gun" is authorised for use in situations where an offender needs to be incapacitated, without resorting to the use of conventional firearms. Armed officers also have access to the discriminating irritant projectile, which is designed to deliver a cloud of irritant in the direction of an aggressive offender. During July 2007,

7990-637: The vast majority of the system was phased out by the end of the 19th century. In the 1860s, the flintlock pistols that had been purchased in 1829 were decommissioned from service, being superseded by 622 Beaumont–Adams revolvers firing the .450 cartridge , which were loaned from the army stores at the Tower of London following the 1867 Clerkenwell bombing . In 1883, a ballot was carried out to gather information on officers' views about arming, and 4,430 out of 6,325 officers serving on outer divisions wanted to be issued with revolvers. The now-obsolete Adams revolver

8084-638: The written tests and interviews, and successfully completed their probationary period with a further two years in a core policing role. They undergo two weeks of intensive training on the Glock 17 Pistol and the Heckler & Koch MP5 carbine; both weapons use 9mm rounds. This is followed by a further nine weeks of training focused on ARV tactics and searching buildings. Based at MPSTC, MO19 provides initial and continuation training for all MPS firearms officers. There are more than twenty courses provided by nationally accredited firearms instructors. Courses are based on

8178-589: The years following the Second World War, training for the standard-issue Webley & Scott revolver consisted of firing six shots, to pass, it was required that three shots be on target. Loading, unloading and safe handling of the weapon was not usually taught. During the same period, the police had an increased number of ex-servicemen joining the ranks, and their previous knowledge was treated to suffice leading to them being issued with firearms without police training, in an emergency. An example of this,

8272-431: Was decided that to be successful in this role, the police needed to be issued firearms. The Ministry of Defence loaned Sten submachine guns , along with a number of Lee–Enfield No4 bolt-action rifles . These, along with Webley & Scott revolvers and ammunition were kept in secret depots around the United Kingdom, with the locations known by senior officers, so each force had access to them if required. Before

8366-522: Was named D6, before being changed to D11. After that it was changed to PT17 under Personnel and Training, when the Specialist Operations designation was introduced it was changed to SO19. Upon "SO" being phased out in 2005, its designation was replaced by Central Operations . The firearms unit's present name is Specialist Firearms Command , with its designation being SCO19. Since 2005, the police have been equipped and authorised to employ

8460-579: Was originally named, the Firearms Wing (designation D6) was formed as part of the Civil Defence and Communications Branch within 'D' Department . The wing was formed in response to the murder of three officers . The Commissioner requested applications from officers within the service who had experience in the handling of firearms, such as ex-members of the armed forces or those who attended shooting clubs. The officers who applied were sent to

8554-508: Was referred to as the School of Musketry . In September 1855, a corps of Instructors was added to the establishment, consisting of 100 First Class and 100 Second Class Instructors who, as soon as they were sufficiently experienced (except for three who remained at Hythe), were distributed to Depot Battalions and Regiments as required. These men were the Corps of Instructors of Musketry, a misnomer as muskets were being withdrawn from service – yet

8648-567: Was returned to stores for emergencies, and the Bulldog 'Metropolitan Police' revolver was issued to officers on the outer districts who felt the need to be armed. On 18 February 1887, PC 52206 Henry Owen became the first officer to fire a revolver while on duty, after being unable to alert the inhabitants of a premises on fire. Following the Siege of Sidney Street in 1911, one thousand self-loading Webley & Scott pistols were purchased. In 1914,

8742-425: Was that the army now had a weapon that was more accurate, at a longer range, was quicker to load and was marginally safer for the user as to ignition. For the first time since the demise of the bow and arrow, lethal marksmanship was possible. Shooting ceased to be a drill and became an art based on personal skill. Elevation, windage and ballistics now played a part. In order to study these new problems and introduce

8836-559: Was when the police mounted a large-scale search following the Shepherd's Bush murders , firearms were issued to any officer who had previous experience of their use, such as officers that attended shooting clubs or ex-members of the armed forces. The Metropolitan Police was formed on 29 September 1829, with the passing of the Metropolitan Police Act . The officers of the 'new police' were unarmed to counter fears of

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