MPA endorses non lethal weapons

75/02
12 July 2002

The MPA strongly supported in principle the introduction of non lethal weapons to the Met at the last full Authority meeting on 27 June. However, Members also asked for further clarification in some areas, such as training, instructions about when non lethal weapons would be deployed and community liaison when used in an incident. It was agreed that these were legitimate concerns and pertinent to the responsibilities of the police authority.

The Commissioner, Sir John Stevens, arranged a presentation to Members on all the issues raised, including a live demonstration of the use of the weapons, which took place on 10 July at Hounslow Public Order Training Centre. The matter will be discussed again at the Co-ordination and Policing Committee on 19 July.

Toby Harris, Chair of the MPA, said:

“It is essential that decisions affecting policing in London are accountable and therefore it was appropriate that the MPA considered this matter from all perspectives.

“I am reasonably confident that Members have been sufficiently re-assured by the presentation and briefing they received at Hounslow to give the go ahead when it is brought before Committee on 19 July. I understand that training was not due to begin immediately and that the time taken to answer all the members’ concerns will only delay this by less than three weeks.”

Notes to editors

1. Toby Harris will present his speech, “Combating Crime”, at 13:35 on Saturday 13 July 2002 to a session of the ALG London Summit “Delivering better services for London”. The all day conference is being held at the Queen Elisabeth II Conference center, London SW1.

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