The number of firearms officers ready to protect the public in
England and Wales has risen by 1351 since April 2016.
In the two years since the Home Office (HO) announced a
£143million programme to increase policing’s firearms capability,
HO forces have increased their total number of firearms officers
by 874. These officers are based in areas considered to be at
greatest threat or with geographical challenges.
The overall figure of 1351 additional firearms officers includes
the increase from non-Home Office forces such as the British
Transport Police, Civil Nuclear Constabulary and Ministry of
Defence Police, who could surge to provide additional support in
the event of a major incident.
As a result, the number of Armed Response Vehicles (ARV)
available to protect the public in England and Wales has
increased by more than 25 per cent.
In any given 24-hour period there are approximately 55 more ARVs
patrolling England and Wales than in April 2016, meaning forces
are able to respond to major incidents such as terrorist attacks
faster and with greater numbers.
This increase is bolstered by a 70 per cent increase in the
number of the highest-trained Counter Terrorism Specialist
Firearms Officers (CTSFO), who are taken from the ARV ranks and
given additional training.
Significant investment has also been made to improve the training
and equipment provided to armed officers so they are able to deal
with a broader range of threats.
“Police chiefs are committed to our model of policing with a
routinely unarmed service at its core. At the same time, we need
to be sure we have the right level of armed policing to meet
threats to the public”, says the National Police Chiefs’ Council
Lead for Armed Policing, Deputy Chief Constable Simon Chesterman.
“We are now better equipped to respond swiftly to serious threats
to public safety, such as the recent terror attacks.
“The increase in the number of highly-trained CTSFOs means that
we can move more quickly to resolve major incidents and be more
proactive when confronting a threat.
“The public will have seen this improved response in action
during the London Bridge terror attack, when ARVs were able to
respond incredibly quickly to stop the attackers without having
to wait for specialist officers or Special Forces.”
However, armed policing remains a voluntary role and the
recruitment, training and retention of officers remains a
challenge for all forces.
“How we treat firearms officers in the rare instance that they
discharge their weapon does influence the willingness of people
to take up this role, and they naturally have concerns about the
impact it can have on the welfare of themselves and their
families,” says DCC Chesterman.
“It is absolutely right that we scrutinise the decision-making in
those rare instances, and the speed in which the Independent
Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) currently investigates our
response to terrorist incidents is greatly appreciated, but we
want to work with them to reduce delays and deliver quicker
investigations for all other instances in which our officers have
discharged their weapons.”
Notes to Editors
- A typical Armed Response Vehicle (ARV) will consist of at
least two firearms officers (three in London) equipped with an
extensive range of firearms, less lethal weapons and ancillary
equipment which allows them to swiftly respond to a broad range
of the most serious incidents and emergencies. Each armed officer
will carry a long-barrel weapon, handgun and a range of less
lethal options such as Tasers. Each officer is also equipped with
a high level of ballistic protection, such as body armour and
ballistic shields.
- Armed Officer training is rigorous and significant numbers of
officers who commence training fail to meet the high standards
required, which have been consistently maintained throughout the
uplift to ensure the best possible protection to the public.
- Total number of firearms officers in England and Wales
Home Office Forces
2016 - 5591
2017 - 6230
2018 - 6465
Non-Home Office Forces
2016 - 2828
2017 – 3317
2018 - 3305
2018 Total -9770
