90 (Speke) Squadron ATC

39 Woolton Road
Garston
Liverpool
L19 5ND
       Tel: 01514270940
  Email: 90@aircadets.org
                  Web: www.90speke.org.uk

90 (Speke) Squadron Air Cadets visit the Merseyside Police Firearms Unit for an insight into the equipment of Merseyside's finest.

The tour, organised by Adult Sergeant Blakemore, a Police Officer himself consisted of a presentation of what the firearms unit was all about, a viewing of all the weapons and even giving the chance to sound the sirens behind an armoured Police vehicle.

The presentation's aim was to give an insight into the daily life of a firearms officer; the types of crimes they attend, the challenge it was to get the role and the use of lethal force in modern policing.

The Firearms Constable explaining equipment to the Cadets

The tour was held at Smithdown Lane Police Station, Liverpool with 23 Cadets attending along with the members of the Squadron Staff Team.

Each weapon and its intended use was detailed carefully to the Cadets, who showed a keen interest in the occupation's role.

One significant part of the presentation was when the Police Constable pointed to a board with firearms attached to it. He then quizzed the Cadets on which they thought were real, and which were fake. To the surprise of the Cadets, who had thought a majority were real, each one was an immitation firearm. This displayed the seriousness of the danger of immitation firearms. Most notably for the bearer, as if you couldn't tell the difference from 10 feet, imagine as an Armed Officer if you saw it at a distance and had to respond. As described by the Constable, you would have to treat it as real no matter what.

The Cadets deciding whether the firearms were fake or real (board)

This helped the Cadets understand this rising category of crime, and the need for an armed presence on the streets of the city and in the country as a whole.After the presentation, the Cadets were taken through the station section by section.

The first trip was to the armoury, where the Cadets were able to view the firepower that the Firearms unit have at their disposal. They were then led down to the kit room, where some lucky Cadets were able to try on the body armour and helmets that Armed Police Officers wear. As Cadet O'Connell explained "I wouldn't like to have to run with that on!" referring to the immense weight of the kevlar vest.

This then led to the latter part of the tour, in which the Cadets were able to see a vast array of marked and unmarked police vehicles, be it MATRIX vans or undercover cars. The Police constable kindly pulled out one of the vehicles to explain to the Cadets the special features of their cars.. Being a firearms unit vehicle, it was heavily reinforced with windows many inches thick. He then proceeded to open the back, in which he was able to give the Cadets a try of the shield that Police would use to protect themselves in riots or armed raids.

Cdt Cpl Rowe can be happy she doesn't need one of these on the Squadron

Finally, when offered, some of the Cadets jumped at the chance to get hands on experience behind an Armed Response Vehicle (ARV). With the Constable allowing them to test the Sirens and different lighting features of the heavily armorued vehicle.

Playing with the lights

All in all, the Cadets of 90 were extremely grateful to the Police Constable and the firearms unit as a whole, who provided them with a very informative presentation and hands on experience of the Merseyside Police Firearms Unit.

Adult Sergeant Blakemore explained "I think the trip was a very worthwhile event and judging from the Cadets reaction to the visit, it proves to me they have become more educated about not only the role of firearms officers, but that of the Merseyside Police Force as a whole". Cdt Sgt Crighton further added "I definitely found it interesting to see all the equipment they use around the city, and in some cases try it out".

The Squadron would like to thank the Constable and all the firearms unit for what was a fantastic night for the Cadets.