An Authorised Firearms Officer (AFO) is a British police officer who has received training and authorisation to carry and use firearms. The designation is significant because within the United Kingdom, police officers do not routinely carry firearms. Police officers of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, however, do routinely carry firearms due to the nature of the threat that they have historically faced. The Ministry of Defence Police who police the UK Defence estate and personnel[1]; and the Civil Nuclear Constabulary who guard civil nuclear energy facilities also routinely carry firearms.
In the year 2007-08, there were 6,780 Authorised Firearms Officers and 21,181 police operations in which firearms were authorised throughout England and Wales.[2]
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All police forces in the United Kingdom have an AFO selection process,[3] varying slightly between each force. As with many police specialties, all Authorised Firearms Officers have volunteered for the role. Candidates are required to gain approval from their superiors before embarking on a series of interviews, psychological and physical fitness tests, medical and assessment days before permission to commence firearms training is approved. There is no guarantee of success, candidates can be returned to their previous role at any point in training if they do not meet the criteria.
Authorized Firearms Officers, who are known to crew Armed Response Vehicles (ARV) are invited to attend the Training Centre, after they have undergone the written tests and interviews along with the successful completion of their probationary period, with a further two years in a core policing role. The potential AFOs undergo one week of intensive training on the Glock 17 self-loading pistol and the Heckler & Koch MP5 semi-automatic carbine—a variant of the submachine gun fitted with a semiautomatic-only trigger group. In addition to this, some Police Forces issues their AFO's with the Heckler and Koch G36 [17]. This is followed by a further six weeks of training focused on ARVs, such as driving techniques, high speed pursuit methods and safely executing controlled crashes.
Once authorised, officers must go through regular refresher courses and retests in all aspects of their training in order to keep their firearms 'ticket', such as being tested every four months, and requalifying for the role each year. Failing in any aspect can result in the officer having their ticket revoked, and any health issues which arise can also result in suspension from firearms duties, temporarily or otherwise.
AFOs are utilised in units such as the Flying Squad (which deals with commercial armed robbery), Diplomatic Protection, and Special Branch (counter-terrorism).
Officers of the Ministry of Defence Police and the Civil Nuclear Constabulary are routinely armed due to the high-risk nature of the establishments they protect. MDP are armed with the Heckler & Koch MP7, L85A2 Rifle, SIG Sauer P226 or MP5 depending on role and location. Civil Nuclear Constabulary are armed with both Heckler & Koch G36 and Glock 17 pistol at all locations.
The usage of firearms by 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 authorised by an "appropriate authorising officer".[4] The appropriate authorising officer must be of the rank of Inspector or higher.[5] 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.[6] All members of the Police Service of Northern Ireland have authority to carry a personal issue handgun as a matter of routine, both on duty and off.[7] In all forces, usage of other weapons such as semi-automatic carbines requires further training and authorisation. Semi-automatic carbines are stored in 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.[3]
United Kingdom law allows the use of "reasonable force" in order to make an arrest or prevent a crime[8][9] or to defend one's self.[10] 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".[11] Firearms officers may therefore only discharge their weapons "to stop an imminent threat to life" .[12]
ACPO policy states that "use" of a firearm includes both pointing it at a person and discharging it (whether accidentally, negligently or on purpose).[13] As with all use of force in England and Wales, the onus is on the individual officer to justify their actions in court.[14]
Specialist Firearms Officers (SFO), are those trained in skills such as hostage rescue and deal with major incidents or pre-planned operations.
Different police forces use a variety of firearms. Although, for forces in England and Wales, guidance is provided from ACPO and the Home Office[15] decisions on what weapons will be employed by an individual force largely rest with the Chief Constable.
Within the London Metropolitan Police there are a number of Operational Command Units (OCUs) that employ AFOs.
17. http://www.abovetopsecret.com/forum/thread183488/pg1