U.K. to Add 1,500 More Armed Police Officers

Police in England and Wales are set to train an additional 1,500 firearms officers to combat the threat of terrorism.

The decision reverses a drop in the number of firearms officers from nearly 7,000 in 2009/2010 to 5,875 in 2013/2014, according to BBC News.

Many will of the officers will be deployed in rapid-reaction teams -- on patrol and ready to react round the clock. There will also be more counter-terrorism teams added outside London, aong with 40 new armed response vehicles.

A majority of the new officers will be funded by the government and be trained within the next two years.

"Over recent years we have significantly enhanced the training, tactics and weaponry of armed officers to ensure that they are capable of dealing with all types of terrorist attacks," National Police Chiefs' Council lead for Armed Policing, Deputy Chief Constable Simon Chesterman told the BBC. "We have also delivered enhanced capability across all emergency services to deliver an effective joint response. This additional uplift will ensure we are in an even stronger position to respond quickly and effectively to protect the public."