Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne has visited the Tactical Firearms Unit at Sussex’s Police Training Centre to check out the inner workings of the unit.
Firearms officers often respond to high-risk incidents where intelligence has suggested firearms support may be required. They also provide highly visible public reassurance at major events and they have specialist medical training that can be called upon in emergencies.
Sussex firearms officers complete a minimum of 118 hours refresher training each year. Sussex & Surrey are also the only forces in the country who are able to train Tactical Firearms Support Dogs, who play a vital role in keeping the public safe.
Officers learn techniques including de-escalation and conflict resolution through vigorous and varied training programmes which require a high level of fitness, professionalism and dedication. When armed with key information, intelligence and the ability to assess threat as well as effective use of verbal skills – it’s very rare officers have to discharge their firearms.
When PCC Katy Bourne visited the TFU at Sussex’s Police Training Centre, she saw how they approach some of their training scenarios and how they safely manage the threat of armed subjects in public places, or in buildings.
During their rigorous training scenarios, role players present officers with a range of different threats to manage, which officers are expected to respond to in a proportionate and justified way.
Speaking about the visit Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said:
“It was a fascinating day to learn even more about the TFU and visit the training facilities they have.
“British police firearms officers are admired the world over for their levels of training and tactical knowledge. Although there are many thousands of police firearms operations every year, officers very rarely discharge their weapons.
“Figures for forces across England and Wales for the past year show that there were over 18,000 firearms operations and only 10 incidents where shots were fired.
“With the sorts of incidents they attend, officers from policing units like our TFU aren’t always seen by the public but the role they play is incredibly important. Their close working with other police units and partners and their specific skill sets are crucial in keeping Sussex safe.”
TFU Inspector Oli Fisher said:
“TFU officers are rightly proud of their contribution to public safety, but we recognise that our role is not always fully understood.
"Opening up our doors to stakeholders such as the PCC is really important, as it gives us an opportunity demonstrate what we do and why, as well as show case the professionalism and expertise of our people."
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