Hampshire Constabulary: Tactical Firearms Support Unit

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Tactical Firearms Support Unit

The Tactical Firearms Support Unit (TFSU) provides both a training and operational role in the highly specialised area of firearms deployment and weapons training.

The unit has a long history of excellent practice both regionally and nationally, and is regarded as being at the forefront of firearms issues.

At present there are seven police constable Instructors, a sergeant and an inspector, supported by an administrator and the Force Amourer. The unit is based in offices at Netley, and provides training and support for authorised firearms officers stationed across the two counties.

The police use of firearms is evermore subject to scrutiny and a key role of the TFSU is to ensure that its policies and procedures relating to the use of firearms are capable of withstanding that scrutiny and that those involved in such operations are properly selected and trained.

The force firearms response is provided through the Armed Response Vehicles, and the Tactical Firearms Teams. The force is currently developing its firearms response capability, and the county’s first full-time permanent firearms unit will be established early next year.