Changes to TFU Handbook - AUGUST 2026
Throughout the PLPD there is a hierarchy of ranks, starting from Officer all the way to Chief of Department. Tactical Firearms is no exception and we have our own hierarchy which runs alongside the PLPD hierarchy of ranks. There are various roles available throughout the division. Each role has different responsibilities and duties.
Whilst in TFU gear, all TFOs must follow the TFU chain of command listed below, with the following exceptions:
1.1 RTFOs are subordinate to STFOs, TFTOs, and TFICs regardless of their PLPD rank.
1.2 STFOs are subordinate to fully qualified TFTOs unless they hold a higher PLPD rank.
1.3 STFOs and TFTOs are subordinate to TFICs regardless of PLPD rank.
1.4 All TFOs are subordinate to members of Tactical Firearms Command, regardless of their PLPD rank or TFU certification. This does not apply if the TFO in question holds the PLPD rank of Major+.
1.5 Where two officers hold the same position within TFU, the officer with the higher PLPD rank may overrule the other.
Tactical Firearms Command consists of 1 Captain, 2 Lieutenants and 2 Staff Sergeants who will oversee and run the whole division. They are in charge of the smooth running of the division and must overlook all areas such as applications, training and disciplinary actions. Each Command member has a specific responsibility they are in charge of overseeing. More information can be found within the Command page.
These are Tactical Firearms Officers who have shown to have superior leadership abilities, as well as law and policy knowledge. These officers hold the acting rank of Lieutenant when on scene during incidents, where TFU is dispatched as the primary response force.
These are Tactical Firearms Officers who have received the relevant Tactical Firearms Training Officer rank, which means they mark the applications of Officers attempting to join the Tactical Firearms Unit. They also assist in creating a challenging, realistic and fair environment to allow applicants to truly demonstrate their capabilities.
Tactical Firearms Officers are members of TFU who hold no administrative responsibilities within TFU. Passing the Tactical Firearms Officer application grants this rank.
Tactical Firearms Officers, certified as "Recruit" are the lowest tier of the Tactical Firearms Unit. Their purpose is to grasp the basics of TFU, before progressing to becoming a fully fledged Tactical Firearms Officer with the "standard" certification. RTFOs, whenever possible, should deploy along with another STFO+ when responding to an incident. In the event of an authorised self-deployment, RTFOs can only gear up if there is another STFO+ already in gear. For more information, please read the RTFO polices here