Authorised firearms officer

Most police officers in the UK do not regularly carry firearms. When situations need firearm aid, it is provided by trained and accredited firearms officers, referred to as authorised firearms officers (AFOs). All Wiltshire Police AFOs are trained at Blackrock Specialist Training Centre. 

Here are some examples of what an authorised firearms officer's duties could include:   

• Perform Counter Terrorism Security checks 
• Conduct arrest operations for recalled prisoners. 
• Carry out arrest operations for individuals with active warrants. 
• Conduct licensing checks on behalf of the Firearms Licensing department. 
• Undertake targeted assignments to support Neighbourhood Policing Teams.

In Wiltshire Police, AFOs are trained to Armed Response Vehicle Officer (ARVO) standard. Some AFOs will advance to ARVO level within two years, enhancing their capabilities.  

Armed Response Vehicle Officer (ARVOs) can also assume secondary roles like: 

• Operational Firearms Commander 
• Tactical Firearms Advisor 
• Tactical Rifle Officer 
• Close Protection Officer 
• National Firearms Instructors 
• Counter Terrorism Specialist Firearms Officers.