The Crime Agents Armed response: inside firearms policing
Oct 29, 2025
Explore the intense world of firearms policing through the eyes of a former Met sergeant. Discover what it's like to respond to terror incidents, including the Westminster Bridge attack. Delve into the emotional challenges of providing aid to an attacker and the gallows humor that helps officers cope. Learn about accountability in high-pressure situations, and why some still choose this demanding role despite the scrutiny. Hear about the complexities of police investigations and the unique sense of pride and purpose in armed response work.
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Plato Response Creates Radio Chaos
- Will explained Operation Plato activates when an attack is deemed a credible marauding terrorist incident.
- He highlighted chaotic overlapping radio channels and fragmented information en route to scenes.
Inside An Armed Response Vehicle
- Will described roles in an armed response vehicle: driver, navigator (who also issues the carbine), and the operator managing multiple radios.
- He noted the driver’s sole job is safe transit while the navigator dished out the primary weapon from a vehicle safe.
Pride Then Anger Over NX-121 Case
- Will recounted pride in colleagues after the NX-121 shooting, then anger at public and institutional reactions.
- He criticised senior police and media narratives that quickly labelled NX-121 without full facts.
