Elite British Armed Police CTSFOs (Counter Terrorism Specialist Firearms Officers) CTSFOs are another proactive element of SCO19. Their role includes counter terrorism and hostage rescue. Like TSTs, CTSFO teams provide firearms support to other Met specialist units and may operate in both an overt and covert manner. CTSFO teams are on standby to respond to a terrorist or major crime incident both in London and at the National level. Counter Terrorist Specialist Firearms Officer (CTSFO) Applications are invited from substantive and qualified Constables for transfer to one of the MPS CTSFO operational teams. The MPS employs officers to form part of the National CTSFO network. CTSFOs are the most comprehensively trained officers in the country. They work in teams and provide overt and covert specialist armed support for serious crime and counter terrorist operations. They are designated as the MPS hostage rescue team and form an essential part of the UK contingency to combat terrorism. Role Requirements In the MPS there are 7 CTSFO teams consisting of 1 sergeant and 15 Constables. They work to 6 CTSFO Inspectors and an Operational Senior Manager. You will join an operational team and work a 7 week shift pattern which includes night duty. You will on occasion be required to work long and unsocial hours. The CTSFO role profile requires officers to currently complete a refresher training program of 165 hrs firearms training per year The number of active CTSFOs is around 130 officers, organized into 6 CTSFO Inspectors, an Operational Senior Manager and 7 teams. Each team consists of 1 Sergeant leading 15 Constables. CTSFO units may be called to storm buildings, planes, buses, trains and boats, both docked and underway. 2These operations requires that CTSFOs receive a higher level of training than the Tactical Support Teams. Like TST Officers, CTSFOs have served as ARV Officers before going through their own extensive selection and training process. How to get there: • You will be current qualified SFO (National Role Profile) and willing to undertake training to qualify as a CTSFO. • You can also apply for this route if you are currently qualified in the Standard Masts and Dynamic Search (DE/DI) role profiles and are willing to undertake training to qualify as a CTSFO. (All up skill candidates must have attended the National single system of dynamic search training). You will attend an assessment centre at the Metropolitan Police Specialist Training Centre, Gravesend, Kent. • If you are successful you will be eligible to transfer and will be required to fulfil transfer requirements that at present consist of fitness and medical, local interview panel, and 2 week MPS induction course to cover administrative and procedural matters. • Upon transfer you will be invited to complete a 6-week CTSFO up skill course at the Metropolitan Police Specialist Training Centre in Gravesend, Kent. Once this process is completed you will be posted to an operational team. CTSFOs and SFOs have one of the toughest selection courses in the Police Force. Anyone wanting to become a SFO must complete a Bleep Test level 10.5 and a 20 sec rope hang. This is the most basic fitness test needed to become a SFO. Assessment and Training Process for Up Skill route • You will be required to attend a 2-day existing skills and fitness assessment to determine your suitability to undertake CTSFO training. This assessment consists of weapons handling/shooting assessment, deliberate and dynamic search assessment, and a 1-day physical testing program. The physical tests are mandatory requirements for the MPS CTSFO role profile and are completed prior to participation in the CTSFO training programme. They are as follows: 1. Shuttle Run fitness test - This is the National shuttle run test to 10.5 2. Fast Rope hang test. This test involves gripping a thick rope hanging without the use of legs for 25 seconds 3. Water competency test – This test involves jumping from a 5m platform, 25m swim, 3min tread water and exit pool unaided 4. Confined space test - This test involves crawling in a 30m tube wearing full face breathing apparatus 5. Working at Height test – This test includes climbing a 12 metre caving ladder and standing on a 22 metre platform whilst roped on 6. Agility Test – This is a job related obstacles course with no time limit. There are 3 mandatory obstacles that must be completed. Scaling a 6 feet wall, lifting a rescue dummy and running a short circuit wearing a respirator SFO Skill Set Advanced Shooting Skills (CQB, Plain Clothes) Low Light and Rapid Shooting Skills (Including with Respirator) Close Quarter Combat (In Various Environments) Hostage Rescue Dynamic Entry (MOE/EMOE) MOE/EMOE - Explosive /Method OF entry Abseiling Fast Roping Covert Surveillance Ship Boarding Close Protection Officer CP Driver Advanced First Aid Sniper Rifle Officer CBRN (Chemical Biological Radio-logical Nuclear)

• published: 05 Jul 2015
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