Changes to TFU Handbook - SEPTEMBER 2025 - RTFO and Policy Updates
This policy will outline the expectations, regulations, and selection process for the Recruit Tactical Firearms Officer certification.
2.1 RTFOs may not gear up until authorised to deploy by another TFO who holds a higher certification than "Recruit". They may also self-deploy in the event of a confirmed major firearms incident or if a panic button is pressed.
2.2 RTFOs must remove their TFU gear once the incident they were deployed to has concluded, or upon returning to the Police Department, unless otherwise instructed by a Supervisor or fully certified Tactical Firearms Officer (TFO).
2.3 RTFOs are subordinate to fully qualified TFOs and TFICs when in TFU gear, regardless of their police rank and must follow the chain of command highlighted in the handbook.
2.4 RTFOs may not perform a breach without a warrant or permission from an on-duty supervisor or a fully qualified TFO. If the RTFO in question is a Supervisor, this may be disregarded; however, they must inform the highest-ranking officer on duty that they’re doing so.
2.5 RTFOs may not perform Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), unless there are no other TFOs on-duty with a higher certification. In this event, the highest-ranked RTFO on duty should perform the EOD. Failure to follow EOD SOP perfectly in this scenario may result in disciplinary action.
2.6 RTFO gear is considered ‘Heavy Armour’. As such, all RTFOs are subject to Section 3 - Heavy Armour Deployment of the Tactical Firearms Unit Policy when geared up.