This development follows the establishment of three joint units in April this year (the Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Dog Unit, Professional Standards Department and Scientific Services Unit), and the launch of the Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit in 2007.

The proposals for the joint Firearms Support Unit were developed by the Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Joint Collaboration Programme Team in consultation with staff, key stakeholders and staff associations across the two forces. The plans were agreed by the two Police Authorities in May this year. Detailed work has been undertaken by the two forces to align their firearms policies and procedures and to deliver relevant training, in readiness for the ‘go live’ date.

Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Deputy Chief Constable Simon Parr commented: “Other forces and police authorities are taking an active interest in our progress with this groundbreaking work, the overarching priority of which is to further improve the policing service we deliver to our communities in both counties.”

Bedfordshire Police’s Deputy Chief Constable Martin Stuart added: “This new joint unit, along with the other collaborative initiatives already implemented, aims to bring about both greater operational effectiveness and productivity. Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire continue to lead the way with these collaborative ventures.”

The Collaboration Programme is overseen by both forces’ Police Authorities.

Stuart Nagler, Chair of Hertfordshire Police Authority, commented: “I’m confident that the establishment of this new unit, along with the other joint ventures recently launched, will provide measurable and sustainable benefits to the service delivered to our communities.”

Chair of Bedfordshire Police Authority, Peter Conniff, added: “The two forces put forward an excellent proposal which both Police Authorities scrutinised and approved.”