MPA response to publication of PCA review of police shootings 1998–2001

11/03
30 January 2003

Responding to the publication today of the Police Complaints Authority’s Review of Police Shootings 1998–2001, Toby Harris, Chair of the Metropolitan Police Authority, said:

“We will study the findings and recommendations of the review in detail and take forward with the Home Office and Metropolitan Police the issues raised.

“The MPA’s Fatal Incidents Working Group has for some time been looking at these and related areas, and we will share information with the Home Office police shootings review group announced today, in which we hope to play an integral role.

“In particular, we have surveyed more than 150 organisations, individuals and families to find out their views. We are holding a series of focus groups and evidentiary meetings with interested parties. These range widely from MPS firearms officers and civil liberties organisations, to prison and other criminal justice and medical associations and, importantly, families affected by fatal shooting or death in custody.

“The Authority will be producing a report of its findings by early summer in which we intend to make recommendations on the matters in the PCA report as well as other related areas which we know are of prime concern to the police and the public.”

Toby Harris added:

“Any death is a tragedy, in whatever circumstances, but police need to retain the capability of an armed response as a last resort. However, we must be certain that when armed police are deployed to incidents where suspected firearms, bladed instruments or other lethal weapons are reported, every safeguard is taken to minimise the risk of injury to officers, suspects and bystanders. The introduction of less lethal weapons will give police further options, and we welcome today’s announcement of the piloting of taser stun guns.

Send an e-mail linking to this page

Feedback