Sussex Police's Tactical Firearms Unit (TFU) has been kitted out with long awaited new facilities. Emma Daniel, Sussex Police Authority's Lead Member for Firearms, has visited the newly-opened Unit facilities in an unofficial opening ceremony. Emma was shown round the new amenities by Assistant Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney, Temporary Superintendent Trevor Botting and Inspector Lloyd Balfour.

Emma Daniel was instrumental in getting this project underway. Following a tour of the Tactical Firearms Unit, on her induction to Sussex Police, she identified a great need to update the facilities at the unit, 18 months later the project has come to fruition. Emma and fellow Police Authority member, Roma Walker, were subsequently involved in the planning of the new facilities, and were especially keen to realise the plans to provide separate locker/shower and WC facilities for female officers to ensure that equal opportunities are available to all those wishing to join TFU.

Of the new unit, Inspector Balfour said: "I am proud of Sussex Firearms Officers and proud of the new working environment we have been able to provide, which demonstrates the value we place on the important role they perform. I am confident that the new accommodation will encourage divisional officers to apply - both male and female, the Force is looking for a 3% female representation (one per team). There is already interest from female officers around the county to attend the 2011 Armed Response Vehicle (ARV) initial course.

"The Force is grateful for the support the Police Authority and ACPO officers have offered in this process".

Emma Daniel said: "This exciting development for the Tactical Firearms Unit is something I have championed from the beginning and I am so pleased to see it finally open and ready for use by the officers who do such a difficult and important job. I really hope that this encourages more applications to the unit and in particular from female officers."