I would imagine that the mandatory training required to purchase a handgun and semi-regular range practice would have a similar effect. Heavily armed terrorists in body armor aren't really in anyone's list of "things I might see today," but it doesn't mean that a civilian with proper training and practice is completely ineffective.
They'd teach you basic firearm safety for sure but self-defense seems like it would be an optional thing, like "if you ask we'll teach you" kind of thing, and it would probably very basic unless you wanted to pay to have more courses.
Police training would be a lot more in-depth, cover a lot more material and you have a much higher bar for quality given that if they couldn't pass it they wouldn't be a cop.
Disclaimer: Never have owned a gun.