The role of the firearms officers keeping you safe

Message from Humberside Police:

They have a very particular set of skills, skills that make them a nightmare for criminals in our area.

A lot of the time, when you think of policing 24-hours a day, you’re likely to picture one of our many patrol officers who respond to incidents across our area.

As well as patrol officers, another team that responds at a rapid rate 24-hours a day are our highly skilled firearms officers who are continuously reviewed and trained all year around. 

Known as our Armed Response Vehicles Officers (ARVO), they play a pivotal role in tackling and apprehending some of the most dangerous people not just in our area, but across the UK as they assist with counter terrorism and critical incident mutual aid.

The armed response team will often respond to support and work alongside many of our patrol teams across the force. Whilst you may think all of these ongoing incidents involve weapons, including firearms and improvised explosives that isn’t always the case.

Last year alone, the team responded to 3316 incidents involving violent circumstances.

The team is regularly deployed to incidents where levels of extreme threat and physical violence are used. These incidents could include domestic abuse, public order, concerns for safety, or stolen vehicles involving individuals who pose a risk to themselves, the public and our staff.

Whilst incidents of our officers discharging a firearm as a part of ongoing incidents remain very rare, the specialist training they receive – alongside their presence generally – means ongoing incidents are brought to a safe conclusion. It also helps reduce the number of members of the public and/or police officers that may be injured or assaulted.

All of our armed officers are Tac Med trained, meaning they’re equipped and trained at advance levels to deal with and assist the ambulance teams with medical emergencies and save countless lives.

Alongside tackling crime in our area, the team works closely with varying partners across our region patrolling the docks and the airport to ensure the safety of those travelling, as well as businesses distributing goods as a part of the national counter terrorism plan.  

In recent years, our officers were on standby to be deployed to the horrific and unforgiveable attack at the Manchester Arena in 2017.

The armed teams, alongside many of our other officers then went on to police the ‘One Love’ Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, the Big Weekender which came to the East Riding, National Armed Forces Day in Cleethorpes to ensure people were able to enjoy the events safely and comfortably.  

Alongside that, the team will patrol large events such as Hull Fair, Beverley Races ladies’ day, the various Christmas markets the region has to offer. International events also include COP26 in Scotland and the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham this summer.

Whilst you may think our firearms team looks a little imposing and perhaps unapproachable because they carry guns, they are now a more common form of officer patrols. Sometimes, our armed officers wear face coverings, but, in fact, they are always happy to engage and chat to members of our communities. Should you see them patrolling your town centre, a local event or carrying out lines of enquiry in your neighbourhood, feel free to chat to them.