Training
All police forces in the United Kingdom have an AFO selection process, varying slightly between each force. As with many police specialities, 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.
Authorized Firearms Officers 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 weapons training—in 2012 on the Glock 17 self-loading pistol and the Heckler & Koch MP5SF semi-automatic carbine (a semi-automatic version of the fully automatic MP5). Some police forces additionally issue their AFO's with the Heckler & Koch G36, a rifle with accurate range of 800 m. 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, firearms 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. Any health issues which arise can also result in temporary or permanent suspension from firearms duties.
Read more about this topic: Authorised Firearms Officer
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