Counter-Terrorism Response
CTSFOs provide a specialist armed capability that can support police responses to terrorist incidents and threats.
Specialist Armed Policing
Counter Terrorism Specialist Firearms Officers
Counter Terrorism Specialist Firearms Officers (CTSFOs) are specially selected and highly trained UK police officers who provide an advanced armed-policing capability for the protection of the public and response to the most serious threats.
What Is a CTSFO?
A specialist policing role supporting the UK's response to terrorism and other exceptionally serious threats.
Counter Terrorism Specialist Firearms Officers, commonly known as CTSFOs, are specialist police officers trained to operate as part of the UK's armed-policing capability. They represent an advanced level of authorised firearms policing. CTSFOs maintain specialist skills that allow police forces to respond to particularly serious incidents where an enhanced armed capability is required. CTSFOs are strategically based at hubs around the United Kingdom. Although based within individual police forces or collaborations, they form a capability that can also be tasked nationally when required. Their primary purpose is the protection of life and public safety. Their work forms part of a much wider counter-terrorism system involving local police forces, Counter Terrorism Policing and other emergency and security partners.
Selection and Training
Becoming a specialist firearms officer requires officers to pass demanding selection and training requirements. Police firearms training is governed nationally, and the training an officer receives depends upon the operational role they are required to perform. Specialist officers must demonstrate the professional judgement, teamwork and operational competence required for their role. Training does not end after initial qualification. Maintaining specialist status requires continued training and assessment to ensure officers remain operationally competent.
The CTSFO Role
CTSFO capabilities form part of a wider policing system designed to protect the public from the most serious threats.
Public Protection
Protecting life and maintaining public safety are central to the role of specialist firearms officers.
National Support
CTSFO teams are strategically located around the UK and can be tasked nationally when specialist support is required.
Specialist Operations
Their advanced training enables CTSFOs to support policing operations involving particularly serious or complex threats.
Joint Working
Specialist firearms officers can work alongside other police units and partner organisations as part of a coordinated response.
Professional Standards
Officers operate within established policing command structures and are expected to maintain high standards of judgement, accountability and professionalism.
CTSFOs at a Glance
- UK-wide
- Specialist capability
- National
- Deployment capability
- Advanced
- Police training
- Ongoing
- Professional development
CTSFO capability is strategically located at hubs around the United Kingdom.
Specialist teams can support operations beyond their local force area when nationally tasked.
CTSFOs undertake specialist training beyond standard authorised firearms officer requirements.
Specialist firearms officers undertake continued training and assessment to maintain operational competence.
Working as Part of a Wider Response
Counter-terrorism incidents can require a coordinated response involving numerous specialist capabilities. CTSFOs therefore operate as one component of a wider policing and emergency-response system. Depending on the circumstances, this can involve cooperation with counter-terrorism investigators, local policing, emergency services and other authorised partners. This coordinated approach helps ensure that specialist resources, investigation, public protection and emergency response can work towards the same objective: protecting life and keeping the public safe.
Counter Terrorism & Public Safety Updates
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Frequently asked questions
CTSFO stands for Counter Terrorism Specialist Firearms Officer.
Yes. CTSFOs are police officers who have undertaken specialist selection and additional training for an advanced armed-policing role.
No. Most police officers in the United Kingdom do not routinely carry firearms. Specially trained and accredited authorised firearms officers provide armed policing where it is required.
No. CTSFO capability is strategically distributed around the UK and can be tasked nationally when specialist support is required.
They undertake specialist police firearms training and must meet the requirements associated with their role. Continued training and assessment are also required to maintain operational competence.
No. Specialist armed policing is part of a much broader policing response. Officers may work alongside other specialist police units, investigators, emergency services and authorised partner organisations.
Their overall purpose is to provide specialist policing capability to protect life and support the response to the most serious threats facing the public.
Learn More About Counter Terrorism Policing
Counter-terrorism policing involves far more than specialist firearms officers. Investigation, intelligence, protective security, community engagement and emergency preparedness all contribute to keeping the public safe.