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What is the PFOA?
The Police Firearms Officers Association (PFOA) is a UK-registered charity, created in 2009 to support everyone involved in UK armed policing, including firearms officers, Taser officers, commanders, and their families.
It became a registered charity in England and Wales in 2010 and now has thousands of members across all UK police forces.
The organisation is run by serving and retired authorised firearms officers, bringing extensive, specialised experience in armed policing. pfoa.co.uk
Who is it for?
Membership is open to:
- Firearms officers (AFOs)
- Taser officers (including Special Constabulary)
- Strategic, Tactical, and Operational Firearms Commanders
- Tactical advisors, Post-Incident Managers, weapons‑issuing officers, and more
- Retired officers in these categories
What does the PFOA do?
The PFOA provides welfare, wellbeing, and critical-incident support, specifically tailored to armed policing roles.
1. Mental Health & Wellbeing Support
- 24/7 independent mental health crisis line (0300 131 2789) for anyone in policing.
Access to over 200 counsellors, EMDR trauma therapy, and CBT.
Emotional coaching through PFOA NLP coaches, many of whom are serving firearms officers.
2. Welfare and Practical Support
The PFOA offers a wide range of help during difficult times, including:
- Counselling
- Physiotherapy
- Respite breaks
- Practical support (e.g., childcare, accommodation, cleaning during crises)
They also help support officers undergoing post‑incident procedures, trauma, or difficult operational experiences.
3. Post‑Incident and Misconduct‑Related Support
Although the PFOA explicitly does not provide legal representation, it does offer welfare support during:
- Gross misconduct investigations
- Suspensions from duty
- Death or serious injury post-incident investigations
Note: Legal and disciplinary representation remains the role of the Police Federation.
4. Training & Professional Support
The PFOA has a training department licensed by the College of Policing, offering specialist training related to post‑incident management and officer wellbeing.
Summary
The PFOA is a dedicated welfare charity supporting UK armed policing professionals. Their work focuses heavily on mental health, welfare support, trauma recovery, and post‑incident care, filling an essential gap for officers who carry significant operational risk and responsibility.