London's Armed Police: Up Close and Personal

Product Information

We are all threatened by the fact that criminals have firearms - and use them, notwithstanding the strict firearms licensing laws that limits their availability to some extent. The Met is supporting officers who have stepped back from firearms duties to help them "fully understand the genuinely held concerns that they have".

I was present at many notable operations and occasions, including the advent of the first Armed Response Vehicles (ARV's) patrolling London in 1991, posted on the first SFO team's in 1992, was present at the Stanstead Hi-jacking in 2000 along with the Great Dome Robbery on November that same year. 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. Cover officer" - responsible for protecting the other members of the team as they carry out their functions. The Ministry of Defence loaned Sten submachine guns, along with a number of Lee–Enfield No4 bolt-action rifles.

The guidelines regarding operational use of firearms and rules of engagement are dictated by the Association of Chief Police Officers, making sure that the rules outlined are compliant with the European Convention of Human Rights and the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. I saw the changes in using specialist vehicles and motorcycles in armed operations along with advanced first aid, not only for victims of crime but also for suspects shot by police. 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.

An armed police officer walks past the British Prime Minister’s official residence, 10 Downing Street, in central London, Britain, September 25, 2023. West Midlands Police: Firearms Operations Unit [FOU] - encompassing both the ARV Team, and the Tactical Firearms Team. The unit gives the Metropolitan police an integral capability, which is so lacking given its role as an inherently unarmed institution. The Met didn’t confirm that number, saying only that “a number of officers” had stepped back from armed duties in recent days as they reviewed the implications of the charging decision for themselves and their families. The Metropolitan Police Service has the flying squad which is a group of Specialist Firearm Officers used operationally to tackle organised crime groups and armed gangs.

The tensions over armed officers comes as Rowley tries to rebuild public confidence in his force following a series of scandals, including a serving officer who was convicted of kidnapping and murdering a young woman in 2021. Each police force operates an Armed Response Vehicle system, crewed by Authorised Firearms Officers. London's Armed Police Today is a must have for anyone with an interest in modern policing or police firearms matters. Moreover, it was the first use of stun grenades by British police and the first time in the firearms wing’s 20-year history they had fired a shot. SCO19 has seven CTSFO teams, each made up of one sergeant and fifteen constables working in seven-week shifts.

Stun grenades were used and Walker was shot, resulting in a major success for the unit as the children were saved.Discover the joy of reading with us, your trusted source for affordable books that do not compromise on quality.