Stop! Armed Police!: Inside the Met's Firearms Unit

Description

Join veteran crime-fighter Stephen Smith on a journey through the dark and dangerous world of the Metropolitan Police specialist firearms command from its inception in 1966, when the cold-blooded murder of three police officers sparked a revolution in the training of armed officers, to the present day. This unique police unit battled against the IRA in the 1970s, experienced its first operational shootings in the 1980s and underwent massive expansion in the 1990s. In the new millenium it fought against Dome raiders, kidnappers, and al-Qaeda terrorists, then worked to provide London with a secure environment in which to host the 2012 Olympic Games. From a gunman ordering cannabis smuggled in fried chicken during a siege to a deranged killer holding toddlers hostage, London's armed police have seen it all. With his wealth of first-hand experience, Stephen Smith has woven together historic and up-to date accounts of perilous and often famously controversial firearms operations across England's capital. Using hundreds of photographs, illustrations and drawings from several archived sources, this fascinating volume spans five decades of the Metropolitan Police's fight against crime and many of its photographs and illustrations have never been published before. Packed with detail and intrigue, 'Stop! Armed Police!' is a must-have for those with an interest in police firearms matters and is a captivating behind-the-scenes look at the dangerous business of policing London's streets.

Stephen Smith, veteran of over a thousand armed operations during his twenty-two years with the Metropolitan Police Specialist Firearms Command was born in south London in 1960. He joined the Met at nineteen and after twelve years in uniform passed selection for PT17, the Met's firearms unit, where he was selected to work on the Specialist Firearms Teams, experiencing first-hand the explosive and controversial world of police firearms operations. Between operational postings Stephen has taught most aspects of armed policing. He retired from the Met in 2013 after thirty-three years' service.

"An absolutely fascinating and focused insight into the history of this Unit, told by an officer who has served at the sharp end." - Keith Skinner, author 'The official Encyclopedia of Scotland Yard' "A 'must have' and a 'must read' volume for anyone with a real interest in the subject" - Roger Gray, author 'The Trojan Files' and 'Target Trojan' 'An interesting and historical insight into the world of police specialist firearms operations in the Capital' - Chris Ryan, author "Stop! Armed Police!' is more than a reference book, it is part of the history and folklore of the Metropolitan Police Specialist Firearms Unit and gives a well written and interesting factual insight into some of the many operations undertaken by the unit.' - Steve Collins, author of 'The Good Guys Wear Black'