The island is to take the lead in the region for armed police training, with its firearms capability already setting a benchmark, Government House said.

Officers from Bermuda and Britain’s Caribbean Overseas Territories have been engaged in training with the International Policing Assistance Service.

The first phase of an eight-week “Train the Trainer” course, which will conclude this Friday, focused on armed response vehicle capabilities, typically deployed for gun incidents and other life-threatening scenarios.

Tactics are being outlined by the UK Home Office’s firearms subject matter expert, supported by national firearms instructors from Police Scotland and Greater Manchester Police.

An IPAS spokesman said: “This training marks a significant step in strengthening the armed policing capabilities of the British Overseas Territories.

“By enhancing the officers’ capabilities based on UK standards and fostering regional co-operation, we’re building a more resilient and interoperable security framework across the Caribbean-based British Overseas Territories and Bermuda.”

The training, using British government funding, was developed in consultation with police commissioners across the region to equip officers from Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Montserrat and the Turks & Caicos Islands to deliver future training within their respective forces.

Andrew Murdoch, the Governor, who met trainers and students as he joined ARV practical scenario exercises, said: “The provision of armed response vehicles is a critical capability to help ensure the safety and security of Bermuda and other Overseas Territories.”

Mr Murdoch said the IPAS programme would enable specialist training to be delivered locally.

He added: “It helps build safer communities in Bermuda and the Caribbean, including adopting tactics and techniques which take into account local cultures and behaviours.”

IPAS has worked in close partnership with Darrin Simons, the Commissioner of Police, and other police officials on the island to deliver the first round of training.

Mr Simons said, "Bermuda has always been at the forefront of policing excellence among the British Overseas Territories, particularly in firearms and investigations training.

“This UK-supported initiative keeps our instructors current and competent while establishing common standards that will allow our territories to work seamlessly together.”

He added: “We're building something bigger here — Bermuda as the regional centre of excellence, offering an entire programme of training that every British Overseas Territory can access and benefit from.”