The type of firearms training you complete will determine what level of weaponry from the MET’s arsenal you’ll have access to. These tools aren’t just equipment—they are essential to an officer’s safety and, more importantly, the safety of the public. Because of their importance, every weapon must be handled with the utmost respect and backed by rigorous training. That’s why this handbook will guide you through the proper use of both lethal and non-lethal force, ensuring you’re fully prepared to use them responsibly.
Every lethal weapon carries the potential to cause serious harm or death. For that reason, they must always be regarded with the highest level of caution and responsibility.
Your firearm is not a toy—it is a tool of last resort. Any misuse will result in disciplinary action, which may include the temporary/permanent loss of your weapon.
Whenever possible, less-lethal options should be used first. For example, if a suspect is unarmed, a taser may be deployed, provided a clear warning is given and at least seven seconds are allowed before activation.
Before pulling the trigger, you must stop and assess: Is the suspect armed? Do they pose an immediate threat to your life or the lives of others? If the answer is no, consider what other methods can safely bring the suspect under control without resorting to deadly force.
Finally, remember: under no circumstances are you permitted to handle or use a weapon without proper training. Doing so will lead to serious consequences, up to and including removal from the police department.
Your training will place you in a series of practical scenarios designed to test your ability to respond to different levels of force. These exercises emphasize a vital principle: you are here to protect and save lives, not take them. They are dangerous tools that must only be used as a final option, given the severe and permanent consequences they can cause.
The scenarios will continually adapt to keep you alert and thinking critically. Each situation will expose you to different challenges, ensuring you gain the skills and judgment necessary to know how and when to use your firearm.
At the conclusion of your practical training, you will be asked a series of general questions to assess your understanding and decision-making.
This should be the most frequently used and most important level of force for any officer. Effective communication is a daily necessity in policing.
Verbal de-escalation means talking people down—using calm, clear, and controlled communication to reduce tension and prevent violence. For example, if a suspect is making threats, the appropriate response is not to brandish your weapon and shout orders. Instead, focus on speaking to them, calming the situation, and steering it toward a peaceful resolution
After verbal de-escalation, the next option is non-lethal force, such as a baton or a taser. These tools allow you to control a situation without resorting to deadly force and should be used when a suspect’s actions present a threat that cannot be resolved verbally.
If a suspect displays a melee weapon with clear intent to cause harm, a taser is typically the most appropriate response. However, always assess the situation carefully. Not every object is a threat—for example, holding a cricket bat does not automatically mean the suspect intends to attack, as it may be used legitimately.
Tasers should be the standard response when facing melee weapons. The only exceptions are when a suspect is actively attempting to commit murder or cause grievous bodily harm. In those cases, lethal force may be considered—but only as a last resort, and only if there is an immediate threat to life.
Non-lethal options are also effective when dealing with unarmed suspects who attempt to flee. In such cases, you must first issue a clear verbal warning and allow at least seven seconds for compliance before using the taser.
Lethal force is always the last option. It should only be used when no other method will work and when a suspect is an immediate danger to life.
This mainly applies to suspects with firearms or deadly melee weapons who are using them with intent to harm. Any firearm incident is extremely high-risk, so non-firearms divisions (like RT or RPU) should always call for firearms officers before acting.
If a suspect surrenders, drops their weapon, or raises their hands, you must not shoot.
If a suspect only shows a weapon but does not threaten anyone, and there are officers providing lethal cover, try non-lethal options first.
You should only fire if the suspect is actively threatening life, such as shooting at officers or civilians.
Essentials to know on scene
Communication:
You must treat the scenario as real, using in-game radios as you normally would. Before the session begins, the trainer will assign you to the correct radio channel.
Equipment:
Bring the firearm you are being trained on, along with your standard police gear. If you are unable to access the firearm yourself, the trainer will provide one for you.
Procedures:
Because the trainers are also police officers, you cannot physically place them in handcuffs. Instead, you must clearly state your action—for example:
“Im going to be placing you in cuffs”
“Im going to be detaining you for the time being”
Miscellaneous:
Trainer Weapons: Trainers will carry standard police weapons. For clarity, only acknowledge weapons you can physically see in their hand. Ignore any others for training purposes.
Blips: Please turn off blips during training. This ensures the examiner can fairly assess your performance without extra help.