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home Protective services
Non home office police officer - Authorised Firearms Officer

Non home office police officer - Authorised Firearms Officer

Protective services

Level 4 - Higher Technical Occupation

Provide policing and or investigative activity.

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Reference: OCC0764A

Status: assignment_turned_inApproved occupation

Average (median) salary: £44,211 per year

SOC 2020 code: 3312 Police officers (sergeant and below)

SOC 2020 sub unit groups:

  • 3312/99 Police officers (sergeant and below) n.e.c.

Technical Education Products

ST0764:

Non home office police officer - Authorised Firearms Officer

(Level 4)

Approved for delivery

Employers involved in creating the standard:

Royal Military Police, Civil Nuclear Constabulary, Ministry of Defence Police, Ministry of Defence Police, Royal Navy Police, Ministry of Defence Police, Civil Nuclear Constabulary

Summary

This occupation is found in non Home Office Police Forces. These include, but are not restricted to, the Royal Navy Police, the Royal Military Police, Civil Nuclear Constabulary and Ministry of Defence Police.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to provide policing and or investigative activity, with some forces having specific responsibility for protecting the personnel, assets and/or infrastructure of their organisation and that of the public.

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with the public, their organisation management chain/chain of command, other colleagues who support policing activities and other Law Enforcement Agencies in the UK and potentially overseas. The employee will conduct both internal and external activities regardless of the prevailing weather conditions. Additionally the employee maybe be expected to participate in a shift system which will include working during unsociable hours such night time and weekend duties.

An employee in this occupation will be responsible for proactive and reactive policing so employees can expect to undertake a wide variety of duties to deliver a law enforcement effect within the scope of their jurisdiction and organisational outputs. They will be expected to use initiative in assessing situations and take responsibility for implementing appropriate processes to manage them. These situations could range from routine, prescriptive, well defined activities through to the management of complex scenarios which are uncertain and less familiar. Regardless of the nature of the situation the individual will be accountable for their actions which must be compliant with policy and legislation, documented and justified. Tasks undertaken will include, but are not limited to, patrolling, both on foot and by vehicle; conducting risk assessments; ensuring safety for all involved; preserving crime scenes; conducting arrests, interviewing individuals, victims, witnesses and suspects; preparing and presenting reports in a range of judicial processes; assisting other Law Enforcement Agencies as required. In the course of routine duties some employees will carry, and where the situation requires, deploy firearms. Yet again this activity must be compliant and justified. The importance and responsibility of the employee’s role cannot be underestimated, and their actions may impact on the lives of those within their jurisdiction. Compliance with overarching legislation, including but not restricted to the Human Rights Act and the Victims Code, is therefore of paramount importance. Although the employee will receive strategic direction and supervision, they will be individually responsible for, and work autonomously, during the tactical delivery of their activity.

Employers involved in creating the standard:

Royal Military Police, Civil Nuclear Constabulary, Ministry of Defence Police, Ministry of Defence Police, Royal Navy Police, Ministry of Defence Police, Civil Nuclear Constabulary

Typical job titles include:

Authorised Firearms Officer
Non Home Office Police Officer
Service Police Officer

Keywords:

Crime
Investigate
Police
Policing
Protective Services
Public Service

Knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs)

K1: The codes of ethics and values and standards, including duty of care to both colleagues and others, and this may include but is not restricted to equality, diversity and human rights.
K2: The threat posed by the prevailing security situation and any policy/measures to mitigate the risk.
K3: The policy and statutory powers to effectively manage incidents. This may include but is not restricted to; responding to incidents, preserving scenes and evidence when necessary; arrest, detain and report individuals safely and lawfully; risk manage health and safety for self and for others.
K4: Authorised equipment and physical resources is to be used in the execution of their duty.
K5: The management of health and safety for self and for others.
K6: Available technology for use in a policing and investigate environment.
K7: The policy and legislative obligations concerned in the recovery, handling and management of information and intelligence.
K8: Gathering, submitting and sharing information and intelligence to further policing-related outcomes.
K9: The policy and statutory powers used to methodically search individuals or vehicles.
K10: The preservation of evidence including; persons, areas, property or premises.
K11: The principles of conflict resolution using communication skills and the application to physical protection and restraint.
K12: The policy for the management of suspects, victims and witnesses paying attention to vulnerable individuals or groups.
K13: The policy, procedures and legislative obligation in the production of written submissions to support the justice system.
K14: The inter-dependent areas of policing. This will include but is not restricted to; other policing or law enforcements agencies; organisations within the justice system; governmental and non-governmental departments and agencies.
K15: The diversity of individuals, groups and neighbourhoods in their community and ways in which they may help to develop partnership working to address local community and policing issues, problems or concerns.
K16: The requirements and processes for the assured recovery or preservation of evidence to maintain its integrity for future exploitation.
K20: What is an authorised firearms officer (AFO).
K21: What is fitness for armed duty and personal responsibility in relation to it.
K22: What needs to be recorded and where, in relation to the issue and carriage of firearms and related equipment.
K23: The legislation and national guidelines relating to carrying a police firearm.
K24: The different methods of carriage of a police firearms in accordance with procedures.
K25: The authorities for deployment of AFOs.
K26: The criteria for deployment of AFOs.
K27: When an AFO may self-deploy.
K28: The key benefits and considerations of post deployment procedures following the deployment of AFOs.
K29: The role of the post incident manager (PIM).
K30: The criteria for post incident investigation and the difference between a mandatory and voluntary referral.
K31: The roles/responsibilities specific to the post incident process.
K32: Who may become key police witnesses.
K33: The legislation and national guidelines relating to shooting a police firearm.
K34: The factors to be considered prior to shooting a police firearm.
K35: How to respond appropriately to vulnerable persons in a firearm situation.
K36: The appropriate points of aim when shooting a police firearm.
K37: The police firearms shooting positions.
K38: What is meant by "containment" in a firearms situation.
K39: How to carry out a dynamic risk assessment.
K40: Considerations in relation to sieges.
K41: The different roles within the context of the wider police operation to support the achievement of operational strategies and priorities for action in relation to containment in a firearm situation.
K42: The different methods of containment in a firearms situation.
K43: The range of tactical actions to deal with subjects on foot in a firearms situation.
K44: The range of tactical actions to deal with subjects in a vehicle in a firearms situation.
K45: The additional considerations when responding to vehicle as weapon attacks.
K46: The range of tactical actions to deal with subjects in a building or other structure in a firearms situation.
K47: Emergency Search.
K48: The circumstances under which an emergency search can be conducted.
K49: The resource considerations for emergency search.
K50: Search terminology.
K51: The considerations/tactics for open area searches.
K52: The specialist support and equipment that should be considered when searching for subjects in the open.
K53: The specialist support and equipment that should be considered when performing open country searches.
K54: The considerations for cover and movement.
K55: The procedures for cover and movement.
K56: The different less lethal weapons.
K57: The intended use of less lethal weapons.
K58: The legislation/guidelines in relation to the carriage of less lethal weapons.
K59: The legislation/guidelines in relation to the use of less than lethal weapons in a policing operation.
K60: The post deployment procedures after use of a less lethal weapon in a policing operation.
K61: The proportionate and lawful use of force in line with legal accountabilities.
K62: D13 first aid
K63: D13 tactics in a firearms situation
K64: The room entry principles when conducting emergency search.
K65: The National Decision Making (NDM) or equivalent process

S1: Demonstrate effective communication in accordance with the varied needs of differing situations, individuals, groups and communities. Use own communication skills to manage planned and uncertain situations, and to persuade/lead others as needed.
S2: Gather, handle and accurately assess information and intelligence from appropriate sources to support law enforcement and to maximise policing effectiveness.
S3: Analyse all available information to make threat assessments and manage conflict situations in policing through leadership, and deal with a wide range of behaviours and incidents, taking personal accountability for the use of proportionate and justifiable responses and actions.
S4: Analyse all available information to be able to assess the risks and threats posed by the situation to allow for the best possible outcome. In doing so use the national decision making model or equivalent to influence the thought process behind decisions and activity.
S5: Demonstrate proficient use of authorised equipment, this may include but is not restricted to communications and personnel protection assets.
S6: Demonstrate the correct use of health and safety procedures and demonstrate an understanding of individual responsibility.
S7: Demonstrate appropriate use of statutory powers and policy to manage suspects, victims and witnesses across various challenging situations, conducting all actions in a balanced, proportionate and justifiable manner. This may include but is not restricted to arrest and search.
S8: Identify the appropriate situation to use authorised equipment, including communications and personnel protection assets and able to effect user maintenance or apply the procedures for the management of damaged or inoperable equipment.
S9: Take measures to ensure that security, integrity and confidentiality of information is maintained, using appropriate policy and legislation concerned with the management of information.
S10: Generate written submissions and reports. This will include the management and storage of such items and their disclosure when appropriate.
S11: Provide an initial and ongoing response to incidents, which can be complex, confrontational and life- threatening, to bring about the best possible outcomes.
S12: Provide an initial response to crime scenes, where encountered, that require the management and preservation of evidence and or exhibits.
S13: Identify those individuals who are considered vulnerable and manage them in accordance with policy and legislation.
S14: Provide support for victims and witnesses, inclusive of those who are deemed to be vulnerable, at policing incidents. This includes giving advice to identify and access sources of additional support (or accessing sources on behalf of individuals) and post-incident help, and where appropriate, delivering any necessary follow-up assistance.
S15: Apply and promote the codes of ethics and values and standards in the delivery of all aspect of their duties.
S16: Demonstrate working alongside partner organisations or as part of a multi-disciplinary team to improve, mitigate and solve community problems, issues or concerns. This my include, but is not restricted the provision of Crime Reduction advice.
S17: Engage in community activity. This for example could include schools or community groups and maybe collaborative activity with other stakeholders such as law enforcement agencies.
S20: Preserve and manage crime scenes whilst also developing forensic strategies to exploit evidential opportunities from available material.
S21: Recover, manage and, where appropriate, dispose of evidence in accordance with policy and in line with statutory obligations.
S23: Be able to issue firearms in accordance with national procedures.
S24: Recognise when an AFO is deployed.
S25: Demonstrate loading, make ready and unloading a police firearm in accordance with procedures.
S26: Be able to identify the characteristics and capabilities of firearms, ammunition, ballistics, protection.
S27: Demonstrate the different carriages of a police firearm.
S28: Deploy operationally as an AFO in accordance with set procedures and authorities.
S29: Carry out post deployment procedures.
S30: Identify the key benefits and considerations of post deployment procedures following the deployment of AFOs.
S31: Be able to recognise the criteria for post incident investigation and the difference between a mandatory and voluntary referral.
S32: Describe the roles/responsibilities specific to the post incident process.
S33: Summarise the immediate post incident command considerations. (LO 7).
S34: Recognise who are key police witnesses.
S35: Review own performance objectively and take steps to maintain and enhance competence and professional standards appropriate to the role.
S36: Demonstrate competence in a range of tactical options commensurate with the AFO role.
S37: Be able to apply procedures and legislation in relation to shooting a police firearm and in line with policy and guidance.
S38: Demonstrate competence with a range of weapons and tactical equipment appropriate to the role.
S39: Demonstrate appropriate handling of a police firearm.
S40: Demonstrate accuracy in shooting a police firearm.
S41: Demonstrate the appropriate action to deal with a weapon malfunction.
S42: Shoot the weapon accurately from the standing, kneeling and prone position if appropriate to the weapon.
S43: Shoot accurately having moved dynamically between different shooting positions.
S44: Shoot accurately at close range.
S45: Shoot accurately using cover.
S46: Shoot the firearm to the required national minimum standard of accuracy.
S47: Shoot accurately whilst on approach and withdrawal.
S48: Demonstrate the correct reload drill.
S49: Demonstrate competence in a range of tactical options commensurate with their AFO role.
S50: Be able to work effectively in a team to achieve shared objectives, demonstrating awareness of individual differences and providing support as required.
S51: Respond to conflict situations using a range of tactical options, assessing the threat to determine a proportionate response in line with legislation, policy and guidance.
S52: Assess the immediacy and proximity of threat in order to make operational decisions for the protection of life.
S53: Apply nationally recognised techniques associated with containment in a firearms situation.
S54: Demonstrate a physical overt or discreet containment.
S55: Be able to carry out a dynamic risk assessment in a firearms situation.
S56: Apply the National Decision Model to manage the response to a situation in a reasonable and proportionate way.
S57: Demonstrate good and effective communication skills with the ability to listen to others
S58: Be able to act with discretion and emotional intelligence to manage conflict and defuse difficult situations.
S59: Perform Overt Interception in a police firearms situation.
S60: Perform a Challenge from Cover in a police firearms situation.
S61: Demonstrate safely approaching a stationary vehicle making best use of cover.
S62: Demonstrate safely approaching a vehicle making best use of cover as part of a team.
S63: Use appropriate portable ballistic protection.
S64: Be able to plan a simple approach to a building.
S65: Plan and participate in a limited entry, as part of a team.
S66: Consider contingencies when conducting a limited entry.
S67: Perform the role of shield officer, cover officer and support officer when conducting a limited entry as part of a team.
S68: Demonstrate the correct non-verbal tactical communication (NVTC) as required.
S69: Perform the roles of number one, two, support and front cover during an emergency search.
S70: Demonstrate the different form up configurations correctly when conducting an emergency search.
S71: Perform emergency search with varying officer numbers.
S72: Demonstrate correct initial setup on a closed inward/outward opening and open door.
S73: Demonstrate correct positioning within the team prior to entry.
S74: Understand own role within the context of the wider police operation to support the achievement of operational strategies and priorities for action.
S75: Competent in a range of tactical options commensurate with own AFO role.
S76: Perform searches in the open as part of a pair.
S77: Perform searches in the open as part of a larger team.
S78: Perform open country searches in context with role.
S79: Perform cover and movement as a pair.
S80: Perform cover and movement as part of a team.
S81: Gather and handle information and intelligence from a variety of sources, to assess threat in line with legislation, policies and guidance to take the appropriate action.
S82: Demonstrate competence in the use of Taser.
S83: Demonstrate competence in the use of the Launcher
S84: Provide medical aid commensurate with training as required to preserve life.
S85: Demonstrate competence in the provision of ballistic first aid.

B1: Professional integrity. Maintain the highest standards of professionalism and trustworthiness, making sure that values, moral codes and ethical standards are always upheld, including challenging others where appropriate.
B2: Take ownership. Being accountable and taking ownership for own role and responsibilities, whilst being effective and willing to take appropriate, justifiable risks. Notwithstanding this, have the situational awareness to understand own limitations in ability or authority and seek guidance and support when unsure.
B3: Emotionally aware. The ability to understand and manage emotion in stressful situations and environments. Understand that the views and beliefs of others, based on culture, background and experiences may not always align with our own, thereby treating people with sensitivity, compassion and warmth.
B4: Innovative and open minded. Constantly look for ways to improve the individual and the organisation. Be outward looking, inquisitive and creative when considering the development and implementation of working practices. Reflect on individual and team performance, acknowledging success and mistakes, and ask how could I do better.
B5: Collaborative. Build effective relationships with colleagues and other partners thereby allowing for the sharing of information, skills and knowledge. This mutually beneficial approach will remove boundaries and contribute to the best possible outcomes and results.
B6: Support and Inspire. Know how our individual behaviours impact on the organisation and others. By being a supportive role model create the right climate that will inspire others to maintain performance and professional standards thereby contributing to a positive environment.
B7: Critically Analyse. Based on knowledge, experiences and information to hand analyse issues or problems to identify solutions or resolution. But acknowledge that on occasion they may need to seek support and guidance or information from other sources to influence decisions of courses of action.

Duties

Duty D1

The employee is responsible for conducting foot and vehicle patrols.

Duty D2

The employee is responsible for the correct use of equipment and maintaining the condition of equipment at user level when required.

Duty D3

The employee is individually responsible for the collation and sharing of information and intelligence for the purposes of policing.

Duty D4

The employee is individually responsible for conducting risk and threat analyses across a wide range of situations.

Duty D5

The employee is individually responsible for their effective response to incidents.

Duty D6

The employee is individually responsible for the effective and compliant conduct of searches of people, vehicles, or other places.

Duty D7

The employee is individually responsible for the preservation of a crime scene when attending as the first officer on the scene.

Duty D8

The employee is individually responsible for their compliant conduct in the management of conflict situations.

Duty D9

The employee is individually responsible for the correct conduct of the arrest of a person and their subsequent immediate detention.

Duty D10

The employee is individually responsible for the conduct and effectiveness of interviews of victims and witnesses at initial incidents.

Duty D11

The employee is individually responsible for the preparation and subsequent submission of reports which detail the information, inclusive of intelligence, gleaned from attendance at an initial incident.

Duty D12

The employee is responsible for their individual adherence to and promotion of the code of ethics, values and practices.

Duty D13

The employee is individually responsible for fostering a collaborative approach and working effectively with policing colleagues and partners.

Duty D14

The employee is individually responsible for effective engagement with the community and this may include, but is not restricted to the provision of Crime Reduction advice.

Duty D23

The employee is individually responsible for the issue, carriage, deployment and post deployment of firearms.

Duty D24

The employee is individually responsible for carrying, handling and shooting police firearms.

Duty D25

The employee is responsible for participating in armed containment

Duty D26

The employee is responsible for dealing with subjects on foot, in vehicles, in buildings or in other structures.

Duty D27

The employee is responsible for performing a single system of search.

Duty D28

The employee is responsible for conducting armed searches in the open.

Duty D29

The individual is responsible for using less lethal weapons (D11 launcher and J1-4 taser).

Duty D30

The employee is individually responsible for providing first aid in armed operations.

Occupational Progression

This occupational progression map shows technical occupations that have transferable knowledge and skills.

In this map, the focused occupation is highlighted in yellow. The arrows indicate where transferable knowledge and skills exist between two occupations. This map shows some of the strongest progression links between the focused occupation and other occupations.

It is anticipated that individuals would be required to undertake further learning or training to progress to and from occupations. To find out more about an occupation featured in the progression map, including the learning options available, click the occupation.

Progression decisions have been reached by comparing the knowledge and skills statements between occupational standards, combined with individualised learner movement data.

Technical Occupations

Levels 2-3

Higher Technical Occupations

Levels 4-5

Professional Occupations

Levels 6-7

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Level 2

This is the focused occupation.
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Level 4

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Level 4

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Level 6

Protective services