RGP officers complete specialist firearms training

Eight Royal Gibraltar Police officers have successfully completed a National Operational Firearms Commanders course, delivered by officers from the South Wales Police Joint Firearms Training Unit.

The training forms part of a wider and ongoing program of specialist firearms accreditation courses undertaken by officers of various ranks and from across the RGP’s three divisions.

Commissioner of Police Eddie Yome explained: “In line with the evolving threat from international terrorism, and in common with our UK counterparts, the RGP has in the past year increased its complement of firearms officers, procured additional protective equipment and is investing in higher-calibre weaponry at considerable expense.”

“This latest training forms part of our wider strategic objectives, and is complementary to a variety of other RGP specialist firearms roles such as those of instructors, tactical advisor and tactical/operational firearms commanders, amongst others, all of whom have qualified over the past three years as part of a continuous process of professional accreditation.”

“Police Authorised Firearms Officers generally undertake a regular cycle of demanding training that incorporates a wide variety of theoretical and practical subjects, all of which are in line with the UK National Firearms Training Curriculum,” Mr Yome added.

The course comprised intensive theory and practical sessions and officers were exposed to command responsibilities and relationships, application of the National Decision Model (NDM), dealing with vulnerable persons, dynamic risk assessments as well as briefing and communication.

The course also saw officers exercising tactical command for planned operations, planning and post-incident procedures.

The course concluded with all the officers successfully completing a series of summative assessments on the various topics covered.

They will now be responsible for the operational level firearms command during any incident/operation involving the deployment of armed officers, the RGP said.