§ The Minister for Crime Reduction, Policing and Community Safety (Ms Hazel Blears)On 1 August 1999, new operational guidelines on the use of baton rounds were issued by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and replaced previous Home Office guidance. ACPO have now put forward revised guidelines to take account of developments in the weapon system, training and procedures for deployment which are designed to reduce the potential for serious injury and life threatening injuries.
The guidelines now include specific reference to the implications of the European Convention on Human Rights and also highlights that every effort should be made to ensure children are not placed at risk.
The revised guidance also takes account of the Defence Scientific Advisory Council statement on the use of the L21A1 baton round at ranges from 1 to 19 metres, announced by the then Minister of State at the Home Office, my right hon. Friend the Member for Southampton, Itchen (Mr. Denham), 6 November 2002, Official Report, Column 312W.
A copy of this new guidance has been placed in the House Library.