They aren't very common over here either, (in the last twelve months, I've had the police at my house several times, and not a single gun in sight), but I do know that the police still train with them, as part of a requirement.

I've been trying my damnedest to research it (it could come in handy if it ever appears in a fic of mine), but so far, every thing I've read only mentions the Special armed response units, however, it neither confirms nor denies that police officers - during training - are trained in firearms, or firearm safety.

Personally, I think it's quite stupid that there is no information about it on the net, though three sites have all said, if I want to join the police force, I should research and know what I'm getting involved in. I'd like to know if I'm going to receive firearms safety training because... well... what if I need it at a future date after becoming a police officer?