Jump to content

List of police firearms in the United Kingdom

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Most British police officers (except in Northern Ireland) are not routinely armed.[1] Instead, they rely on specially trained Authorised Firearms Officers (AFO) to attend incidents where firearms are necessary. Specialist Firearms Officers are usually trained to a higher standard than AFOs, because they are likely to be required to enter besieged premises. The vast majority of firearms used by British police are semi-automatic. Police use of force regarding firearms was governed by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO, dissolved 2015).

Weapons used by Home Office police forces

[edit]

Firearms used by police officers vary between police forces in the UK. The Chief Constable and Police Authority of each force decides the number of firearms officers and type of police firearms available. In 2010, 5.56 mm calibre carbines were widely introduced in case of an attack similar to the 2008 Mumbai attacks.[2][3]

Firearms issued to Authorised Firearms Officers include:

Pistols

[edit]
A firearms officer of the Metropolitan Police with a Glock pistol.

Submachine guns

[edit]
Firearms officers of the Metropolitan Police with a MP5SFA2 (left) and a SIG 516 (right) as well as holstered Glock pistols and Taser conducted energy devices.

Assault Rifles

[edit]
Northamptonshire Police firearms officers with Heckler & Koch G36C and LMT carbines.

Sniper Rifles

[edit]

Shotguns

[edit]

Riot guns

[edit]
West Midlands Police-issue L104 baton gun with L18 sight

Northern Ireland

[edit]

Unlike territorial police forces in England, Scotland and Wales, as well as the Garda Síochána in the neighbouring Republic of Ireland, all Police Service of Northern Ireland officers are trained to use firearms and are routinely armed while on duty,[89] as were those of the preceding Royal Ulster Constabulary; many officers also carry firearms while off duty.[90] Historically, RUC officers were issued with the Ruger Speed-Six revolver from 1979 onwards and had access to the Sterling submachine gun and the Ruger AC-556 select-fire rifle until these were replaced by the Heckler & Koch MP5 submachine gun and the Heckler & Koch G3 and Heckler & Koch HK33[91] rifles between 1992 and 1995, with the PSNI inheriting the Speed-Six revolvers and the Heckler & Koch weapons upon its formation in 2001; the Speed-Six revolvers were subsequently superseded by the Glock 17 pistol from 2002 onwards,[92][93] while Heckler & Koch G36 variants were acquired to supplement earlier Heckler & Koch weapons.[26][94] L104 riot guns are available for crowd control purposes.[95]

Weapons used by non-Home Office police forces

[edit]
A Ministry of Defence Police Officer on duty with an SA80 L85A2

British Transport Police

[edit]

Most British Transport Police officers are unarmed. British Transport Police ARV officers carry:

Belfast Harbour Police

[edit]

Like the PSNI, Belfast Harbour Police officers are issued the Glock 17 pistol.

Belfast International Airport Constabulary

[edit]

Like the PSNI, officers of the Belfast International Airport Constabulary are issued the Glock 17 pistol whilst on duty. Officers are also authorised to carry Heckler & Koch MP5s, similar to those used by the PSNI prior to the adoption of the Heckler & Koch G36.

Civil Nuclear Constabulary

[edit]

All Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) officers are trained as Authorised Firearms Officers and are routinely armed while carrying out their duties. CNC officers carry:

CNC officers also operate the armament on board the ships of Pacific Nuclear Transport Limited,[105] which specialise in transporting spent nuclear fuel and reprocessed uranium on behalf of the British Nuclear Fuels organisation.[106] Such ships have an on-board escort of armed police.[107][108] The Civil Nuclear Constabulary use a range of heavier weapons up to automatic cannon of 30mm calibre deployed on the ships.

Ministry of Defence Police

[edit]

All Ministry of Defence Police officers are required to pass a firearms module during training (with marine units receiving additional firearms training that is specific to their role[109]) and are routinely armed unless they are posted to Crime Command.[110][111]

  • Sig Sauer P229 Slowly being replaced by the Glock 17 to standardise with Home Office Police Services and the Armed Forces][110][111]
  • Heckler & Koch MP7:[110][111][112][113] General issue nationwide. Introduced in 2005 to replace the Browning HiPower, SA80 and MP5. The SF (Single Fire) Variant was produced to meet the exclusive request by MDP as its only user worldwide. Planned to be phased out of most roles and replaced with the Colt Canada C8.
  • Colt Canada C8:[110][111][114] Issued to Officers based at AWE, the Special Escort Group and Tactical Firearms Unit.[115]
  • L85A2[110][111][116][117] Used by officers at HMNB Clyde and RNAD Coulport. Planned to be removed from service and replaced by the Colt Canada C8[citation needed].
  • LM7[111]

Historical firearms

[edit]

In the past, police have been issued:

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Police use of firearms | Home Office". police.homeoffice.gov.uk. Archived from the original on 20 February 2009.
  2. ^ Gardham, Duncan (15 April 2010). "Military-style guns for police to fight terrorists on the streets". The Telegraph. Retrieved 31 May 2017.
  3. ^ "Report on the Ninth International Law Enforcement Forum - International Law Enforcement Recommendations on Preventing and Countering Armed Attacks". Interpol. 2013. Retrieved 28 May 2017.
  4. ^ Mears, Tyler (31 May 2017). "The kit and weapons armed police officers carry while patrolling our streets". WalesOnline. Media Wales Ltd. Retrieved 25 December 2020. The officers secondary weapon is a Glock, possibly 17, which is carried in a holster.
  5. ^ Shaw, Danny (17 May 2016). "Do police have the firepower to tackle gun menace?". BBC. Retrieved 25 December 2020. At a firing range in Northampton, 14 policemen and women, each carrying a Glock 17 self-loading pistol, are on their first week of training.
  6. ^ Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (October 2014). "Review of Standing Firearms Authority for Armed Response Vehicle Crews within Police Scotland" (PDF). Retrieved 25 December 2020. p. 30: In terms of the handgun, Police Scotland uses the Glock 17 pistol.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p "Firearms currently in use". WhatDoTheyKnow. 4 March 2019. Retrieved 14 September 2019.
  8. ^ Cheshire&NWales AAP [@CheshNWalesAAP] (17 February 2019). "Weapons and armoury check today. Once the weapons are stripped, this allows officers to check for defaults and ensure smooth working order. #kitcheck #ARV #armedpolicing https://t.co/M4MrqEQ3nq" (Tweet). Retrieved 24 December 2020 – via Twitter.
  9. ^ Cheshire&NWales AAP [@CheshNWalesAAP] (7 November 2019). "Out with the old and in with the new. The Alliance are about to upgrade all personal issue Glocks to the new Generation 5 glock and new torches. Same weight, some adjustments to hand grip and slide release to care for left handed officers #newkit #Glock #toughermoredurable https://t.co/zwf03T8yXo" (Tweet). Retrieved 24 December 2020 – via Twitter.
  10. ^ "Glock 17". Danny Callcut Photography. 2 August 2014.
  11. ^ "Firearms Officers in Training". 14 July 2009 – via Flickr.
  12. ^ a b c "Firearms equipment - a Freedom of Information request to Northumbria Police". WhatDoTheyKnow. 18 July 2017.
  13. ^ Thompson, Leroy (30 April 2020). The Browning High-Power Pistol. Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN 9781472838087 – via Google Books.
  14. ^ Birmingham Organised Crime & Gangs Team [@Gangs_WMP] (28 April 2020). "Officers from @Gangs_WMP have executed a number of firearms warrants overnight at addresses across Birmingham, supported by @firearmsWMP & @OSU_WMP. Searches are ongoing and updates to follow. One male is currently in custody. @WMPolice @IanGreenWMP @SuptGMorris @BhamUpdates https://t.co/uMqc2VtiRH" (Tweet). Retrieved 24 December 2020 – via Twitter.
  15. ^ a b Firearms Operations Unit [@firearmsWMP] (12 October 2020). "Another early shift start for C Unit ARV. Our weapons are the first thing we collect each morning. Top Right is my primary weapon. A Sig Sauer 516 carbine. Below that is my Sig Sauer P320 pistol. On the left are two magazines, a TASER with cartridges and my Captor 2 spray. MG https://t.co/UvwqUcERQW" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 12 October 2020. Retrieved 29 May 2021 – via Twitter.
  16. ^ "> 'Women-friendly' guns move". Manchester Evening News. 12 March 2007. Retrieved 17 February 2017.
  17. ^ a b c d e f g h "Equipment used by Armed Police within Essex Police - a Freedom of Information request to Essex Police". WhatDoTheyKnow. 30 August 2014.
  18. ^ Dodd, Vikram (28 October 2009). "Scotland Yard's commissioner scraps plan for armed police patrols in London | UK news". The Guardian. Retrieved 30 April 2015.
  19. ^ a b Smith, Stephen (31 May 2017). Stop! Armed Police!: Inside the Met's Firearms Unit. Robert Hale Ltd. ISBN 9780719824425 – via Google Books.
  20. ^ "Top Cover Autumn 2012 Final". Issuu. 23 October 2012.
  21. ^ "On the Range". 13 November 2009 – via Flickr.
  22. ^ "Sussex Police Uncovered - Tactical Firearms Unit". Archived from the original on 5 January 2006.
  23. ^ a b c d e f g "Surrey Constabulary: Part 4: A Policing Revolution: 1976-1992". Open.ac.uk. Archived from the original on 24 May 2016. Retrieved 30 April 2015.
  24. ^ "Day 214 - West Midlands Police - Firearms Officer uniform and equipment". West Midlands Police. August 2012. Retrieved 13 February 2017.
  25. ^ a b Collins, Steve (1997). The Good Guys Wear Black: The True-life Heroes of Britain's Armed Police. Century. pp. 33–34. ISBN 978-0712677288.
  26. ^ a b c d e Jane's Police Review, 4 March 2007
  27. ^ "Lord Mayor's show in London marks Paris attacks". BBC News. 14 November 2015.
  28. ^ "Armed police sent to 5,000 routine incidents". BBC News. 7 May 2019.
  29. ^ "'My friends call me Lara Croft'". BBC News. 14 March 2017.
  30. ^ "North Yorkshire Police on Facebook". Facebook. Archived from the original on 30 April 2022.[user-generated source]
  31. ^ "Fear of explosives delayed siege house search". BBC News. 29 December 2010.
  32. ^ "Easier to use for WPcs, the ladies' firearms". The Telegraph. 4 March 2007.
  33. ^ a b "Top Cover issue 5". Issuu. 10 December 2013.
  34. ^ "Firearms Support Unit - Airport". 19 August 2010 – via Flickr.
  35. ^ a b "Dover armed siege ends with arrest of gun suspect". BBC News. 17 August 2016.
  36. ^ "Northumbria Police takes on more armed officers". BBC News. 17 November 2016.
  37. ^ "Does the presence of armed police reassure people?". BBC News. 12 December 2016.
  38. ^ "Coronavirus: Armed police called to 'knight' with sword". BBC News. 15 May 2020.
  39. ^ Northants Police [@NorthantsPolice] (26 August 2018). "It's race day at #Silverstone and our Firearms Officers are here to help you be safe and feel safe. If you see them, please do say hi 👮♂️👮♀️ #MotoGP https://t.co/XF0kUCKusL" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 8 May 2021. Retrieved 29 May 2021 – via Twitter.
  40. ^ Northants Police ARV [@NorthantsARV] (8 March 2020). "#InternationalWomensDay Tonight's Firearms Commander, leading from the front... https://t.co/M6FaTVfSGt" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 9 May 2021. Retrieved 29 May 2021 – via Twitter.
  41. ^ "422nd SFS, NHPD strengthen local ties through live-fire, field training exercises". 501st Combat Support Wing. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  42. ^ a b Middleton, Ashley (27 October 2012). "Firearms unit | Flickr - Photo Sharing!". Flickr.com. Retrieved 30 April 2015.
  43. ^ Cheshire&NWales AAP [@CheshNWalesAAP] (17 March 2020). "Nearly the end of week 10/12 for the students on the initial firearms course...Barriacade shooting today in the beautiful fresh air of North Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 😎👍🏼 Its been a long time coming but were almost there! #AAP #Policetraining #stayfocused https://t.co/dw00Z2l4CJ" (Tweet). Retrieved 24 December 2020 – via Twitter.
  44. ^ "Helicopters deployed in search for Essex lion". The Telegraph. 27 August 2012.
  45. ^ Reporters, Telegraph (2 December 2019). "Man arrested after boy, 12, killed and six others injured in 'deliberate' hit-and-run outside Essex school". The Telegraph – via www.telegraph.co.uk.
  46. ^ Norfolk Police [@NorfolkPolice] (25 May 2017). "#WeStandTogether with our communities - our armed officers should not be something to be fearful of as this brother and sister found out https://t.co/DNpkXDKKxZ" (Tweet). Retrieved 24 December 2020 – via Twitter.
  47. ^ Norfolk Police [@NorfolkPolice] (17 June 2018). "We have armed officers out on patrol again in #GreatYarmouth providing reassurance to #airshow2018 visitors. Enjoy day two of the show :) https://t.co/eBkiKqwy2J" (Tweet). Retrieved 24 December 2020 – via Twitter.
  48. ^ [1] [dead link]
  49. ^ "Merseyside police on recruitment drive to deal with rise in number of shootings". PFOA. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  50. ^ "Operation Vanguard 2010". 15 October 2009.
  51. ^ Reporters, Telegraph (6 July 2017). "Manchester Arena suicide bomber Salman Abedi may not have acted alone, police say". The Telegraph – via www.telegraph.co.uk.
  52. ^ a b "Police 'exchange fire' with armed man in Oxford". The Independent. 7 May 2018.
  53. ^ Thames Valley Police [@ThamesVP] (22 December 2017). "Our armed police officers are out and about today in the Thames Valley region! If you see them go and ask them what they want for #Christmas! 👋🎄😁 https://t.co/j5WgQmtMjI" (Tweet). Retrieved 24 December 2020 – via Twitter.
  54. ^ "Armed police patrols increased in South". BBC News. 24 May 2017.
  55. ^ Firearms Support Unit [@NPFSU] (12 September 2019). "Test your knowledge. Anyone name this weapon? 🤔 . #firearms #npfsu #armedpolicing #firearmstraining https://t.co/TrbtB05VtR" (Tweet). Retrieved 24 December 2020 – via Twitter.
  56. ^ "Raoul Moat: police armed to the teeth for any showdown". The Telegraph. 8 July 2010.
  57. ^ "BBC News - in pictures: Hunt for Tyneside gunman Raoul Moat". www.bbc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 20 May 2011. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  58. ^ "Photograph". Oi55.tinypic.com. Archived from the original (JPG) on 14 September 2014. Retrieved 30 April 2015.
  59. ^ "British Armed Response Unit". Elite UK Forces. Retrieved 23 January 2016.
  60. ^ "Yorkshire (N&W) Army Cadets". www.yorkshirearmycadets.co.uk. Archived from the original on 1 October 2009.
  61. ^ "Photograph". Staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk. Archived from the original (JPG) on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 30 April 2015.
  62. ^ Dodd, Vikram. "Scotland Yard creates SAS-style unit to counter threat of terrorist gun attack | UK news". The Guardian. Retrieved 17 September 2016.
  63. ^ "Police praised for stopping London Bridge attack in minutes". The Guardian. 4 June 2017.
  64. ^ "Birmingham accidental firearms discharge investigation complete | Independent Police Complaints Commission". www.ipcc.gov.uk. Archived from the original on 6 April 2016. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  65. ^ Firearms Operations Unit [@firearmsWMP] (8 May 2020). "A busy week so far, another 2 x warrants conducted this time in West Brom @SandwellPolice earlier this morning #WeWillFindYou #WhosNext #FOU https://t.co/5dhMMHhbLG" (Tweet). Retrieved 24 December 2020 – via Twitter.
  66. ^ "All sizes | Throckmorton | Flickr - Photo Sharing!". Flickr.com. Retrieved 30 April 2015.
  67. ^ "Kendal Emergency Services Day". 18 December 2018.
  68. ^ "BBC Local Live: Cumbria for Thursday 8 June 2017". BBC News. 8 June 2017.
  69. ^ Hogan, Michael (6 September 2018). "Ross Kemp and the Armed Police, review: an uneven investigation into the rise of gun crime". The Telegraph – via www.telegraph.co.uk.
  70. ^ Firearms Support Unit [@NPFSU] (27 March 2019). "Today's training venue is a little different ' https://t.co/mUihwstEgy" (Tweet). Retrieved 24 December 2020 – via Twitter.
  71. ^ Firearms Support Unit [@NPFSU] (9 August 2019). "Training in all weathers ☀️🌧🔥💧. They say it's character building 🤔 Maybe. It's also wet. Very very wet! 🤣 #npfsu #armedpolicing #wetandwindy #alltrainingisgoodtraining https://t.co/zSFOoxeDKM" (Tweet). Retrieved 24 December 2020 – via Twitter.
  72. ^ Lancs Police ARV [@LancsARV] (27 July 2017). "Getting ready for the night shift! Guess how much this lot of personal kit weighs? #team3arv https://t.co/mwF144BWEo" (Tweet). Retrieved 29 May 2021 – via Twitter.
  73. ^ "Armed officers' anger at arrests". 3 June 2005 – via news.bbc.co.uk.
  74. ^ Firearms Support Unit [@NPFSU] (16 July 2019). "Scorchio today ☀️🌡 Great training at Catterick military ranges for our TRO's. The factor 30 was out in force! 😎 #npfsu #firearmstraining #rifle #armedpolice https://t.co/eXuv4GapZR" (Tweet). Retrieved 24 December 2020 – via Twitter.
  75. ^ "Hunt for Raoul Moat: snipers sent to Northumberland". The Guardian. 7 July 2010.
  76. ^ "BBC News - in Pictures: 'Siege' in Rothbury". www.bbc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 9 February 2014. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  77. ^ Cheshire&NWales AAP [@CheshNWalesAAP] (7 September 2020). "The Alliance have a number of officers who are rifle trained At this distance and elevation takes skill and practice 😎👍🏼 And yes one of them needs a haircut 💇🤣 #AAP #Policefirearms #oneteam https://t.co/UZRqHT7SHT" (Tweet). Retrieved 24 December 2020 – via Twitter.
  78. ^ Cheshire&NWales AAP [@CheshNWalesAAP] (8 September 2020). "As well as shooting from buildings and outdoors the rifle officers from the Alliance train in our 100m indoor range with low light...on the hottest day in sept! 🥵🤔 Who planned this?! 😮🤣 #AAP #policetraining #firearms #oneteam https://t.co/WbrW7xJU3u" (Tweet). Retrieved 24 December 2020 – via Twitter.
  79. ^ "Police officer unlawfully killed on firearms exercise". The Guardian. 25 March 2010.
  80. ^ "Officer tells of fatal PC shots". March 2010.
  81. ^ "SCO19 Weapons". Elite UK Forces. Retrieved 12 November 2019.
  82. ^ a b c Smith, Stephen (31 May 2017). Stop! Armed Police!: Inside the Met's Firearms Unit. Robert Hale. ISBN 9780719824425.
  83. ^ Cheshire&NWales AAP [@CheshNWalesAAP] (22 March 2018). "Well done to the 12 officers who were successful in passing their shotgun course 👍🏼 #AAP #oneteam #scopehead! https://t.co/ddTNLRaw92" (Tweet). Retrieved 24 December 2020 – via Twitter.
  84. ^ Firearms Operations Unit [@firearmsWMP] (5 September 2018). "Watch @RossKemp with the #FOU on @ITV Thursday 6th September at 9pm. The Armed Police. https://t.co/nGOyqjWKvd" (Tweet). Retrieved 24 December 2020 – via Twitter.
  85. ^ "Met unveils new baton gun". BBC News. 21 August 2002. Retrieved 7 September 2017.
  86. ^ Lowe, Yohannes (14 May 2020). "'Knight' wielding fake sword surrounded by armed police in Cardiff". The Telegraph.
  87. ^ "What does it take to be a police officer?". BBC News. 26 July 2019.
  88. ^ "Less lethal options | Home Office". Police.homeoffice.gov.uk. Archived from the original on 17 July 2009. Retrieved 7 May 2009.
  89. ^ https://www.psni.police.uk/globalassets/advice--information/our-publications/disclosure-logs/2008/organisational-informationgovernance/firearms_held_by_psni.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  90. ^ "Top Cover issue 12 by Mark Williams - Issuu". 12 May 2017.
  91. ^ https://www.psni.police.uk/globalassets/advice--information/our-publications/disclosure-logs/2015/operational-policing/missing_psni_firearms_and_ammunition.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  92. ^ https://www.psni.police.uk/globalassets/advice--information/our-publications/disclosure-logs/2015/operational-policing/weapons.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  93. ^ "Freedom of Information Request" (PDF). Police Service of Northern Ireland.
  94. ^ https://www.psni.police.uk/globalassets/advice--information/our-publications/disclosure-logs/2017/complaints-and-discipline/29032017/negligent-discharges.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  95. ^ Omega Foundation (March 2003). Baton Rounds - A review of the human rights implications of the introduction and use of the L21A1 baton round in Northern Ireland and proposed alternatives to the baton round (PDF). Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission. ISBN 978-1903681336. Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 June 2021. Retrieved 7 September 2017.
  96. ^ a b "Firearms used by British Transport Police - Freedom of Information Request 794-14" (PDF). British Transport Police. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 November 2017. Retrieved 31 May 2017.
  97. ^ "Cameron to review legal protection of shoot-to-kill police officers". TheGuardian.com. 20 December 2015.
  98. ^ https://cnc.jobs/media/1121/firearms-instructor-for-jobs-website-blurred-resized.jpg [bare URL image file]
  99. ^ a b c d "Equipment used by Armed Police within the CNC - a Freedom of Information request to Civil Nuclear Constabulary" (PDF). 30 August 2014.
  100. ^ https://cnc.jobs/public/images/police-officers-image.png [bare URL image file]
  101. ^ https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/246565/0446.pdf#page=21 [bare URL PDF]
  102. ^ https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/365642/CNC_Annual_Report_2014_15October.pdf#page=13 [bare URL PDF]
  103. ^ https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/246565/0446.pdf#page=28 [bare URL PDF]
  104. ^ https://cnc.jobs/media/1014/about-us-image.png [bare URL image file]
  105. ^ "PNTL Fleet". Pacific Nuclear Transport Limited. Archived from the original on 14 June 2011. Retrieved 4 April 2011.
  106. ^ "Nuclear fuel ship docks in Japan". BBC News. 27 September 1999. Retrieved 27 August 2008.
  107. ^ Brown, Paul (20 January 1999). "Nuclear fuel ships to be armed with heavy guns". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 27 August 2008.
  108. ^ "UK British nuclear fuel ships armed". BBC News. 8 July 1999. Retrieved 27 August 2008.
  109. ^ "Marine Units". mod.police.uk. Archived from the original on 6 May 2021. Retrieved 11 May 2021. Training in the MP7 weapon system and in marine-specific firearms tactics training is also required.
  110. ^ a b c d e Upton, Philip (2 February 2016). "FOI request regarding MDP equipment" (PDF). Assets.publishing.service.gov.uk.
  111. ^ a b c d e f https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/390675/MDP_Weapons_Redacted.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  112. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 22 January 2021. Retrieved 11 May 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  113. ^ "MOD police recruits complete Portsmouth's first firearms course | Royal Navy". Archived from the original on 26 August 2014.
  114. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 22 January 2021. Retrieved 11 May 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  115. ^ "Tactical Firearms Unit". mod.police.uk. Archived from the original on 11 May 2021. Retrieved 11 May 2021.
  116. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 7 May 2021. Retrieved 11 May 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  117. ^ "Life in the MDP". mod.police.uk. Archived from the original on 17 November 2021. Retrieved 12 December 2021.
  118. ^ Waldren, Michael J. (2007). Armed Police, The Police Use of Firearms since 1945. Sutton Publishing. p. 4. ISBN 978-0-7509-4637-7.
  119. ^ a b Waldren, Michael J. (2007). Armed Police, The Police Use of Firearms since 1945. England: Sutton. p. 11. ISBN 978-0-7509-4637-7.
  120. ^ Former West Mercia Authorised Firearms Officer
  121. ^ "Armed Response Unit".
  122. ^ "The day terror came to Glasgow Airport". BBC News. 29 June 2017.
  123. ^ Firearms Operations Unit [@firearmsWMP] (12 October 2020). "@IPatrick_Author Hi Ian. The 516 replaced the MP5 some 7 years ago. Thanks. MG" (Tweet). Retrieved 24 December 2020 – via Twitter.
  124. ^ Firearms Operations Unit [@firearmsWMP] (12 October 2020). "@lawro28 Morning. A limited amount of officers had the G36 before we all moved across to the 516 as our standard carbine platform some years ago. Thanks for the question. 👍 MG" (Tweet). Retrieved 24 December 2020 – via Twitter.