The Firearms Support Group (FSG) provides 24-hour cover for the force’s Armed Response Vehicles (ARVs) for spontaneous firearms incidents. Our department also attends pre-planned operations where a large presence of firearms officers is necessary and has been duly authorised.

We also provide armed and un-armed close protection for local and visiting MPs and dignitaries, venue security and when escorting a high-risk prisoner etc.

Dogs that are specially trained to deal with armed and passive subjects accompany FSG with the firearms dog handlers. The dogs are equipped with a camera (a system that was developed by one of our own officers) which is an excellent tool in the searching of premises where suspects are believed to be.

As a support department our efforts are directed to where we are needed most but we strive to assist our colleagues at districts and in other departments in many ways. In addition to our firearms priorities we:

• Provide the first response to street crime offences and patrol hotspot areas as directed by the intelligence briefing system
• Support districts in tackling crime and disorder by patrolling hotspot areas to disrupt criminal activity, by use of the ANPR system and by targeting prolific offenders
• Assist in casualty reduction by patrolling identified hotspot areas, by targeted enforcement (i.e. seatbelts/mobile phones)