British Transport police plans armed division

British Transport police has drawn up plans to form its own division of armed officers to respond to terrorism threats and other incidents at stations. Proposals have been put forward for around 100 officers in London to be trained to carry guns, with a decision on whether the plans are implemented due within weeks. If the firearms division is judged to be a success, the scheme could be expanded across other divisions of the force. The transport police, which is divided into seven territorial areas across England, Scotland and Wales , at present calls in specialist armed officers from nearby forces as and when required. The new plans would mean each territory had its own firearms division, which would handle incidents requiring firepower itself. "The government has said that its number one priority is the protection of its citizens," the British Transport police said. "We are continually reviewing how we go about our work to prevent terrorist attacks, and are discussing a range of security options around crowded places. These include railway stations and the underground. It would not be appropriate to comment further at this point." The force employs 4,290 police officers and support staff across the UK. Earlier this month, the terrorist threat level at major transport hubs in the UK was raised from substantial to severe – the second -ighest level. Severe indicates an attack is likely, whereas the highest level – critical – would mean an attack is imminent. The force's plans are apparently not in response to a specific terror threat, but part of ongoing changes to contingency plans.