§ Mr. Dobsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many long (65 cm.) truncheons have been issued to the Metropolitan police; and to which districts.
§ Mr. Giles ShawI understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that no 65 cm. truncheons are issued to his officers. Long truncheons (91 cm.) are issued to officers of the mounted branch while those issued to other officers are of 32 cm. or 40 cm. Truncheons of different lengths and design have been evaluated but none of these have been issued for operational use.
§ Mr. Dobsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what checks are made to ensure that Metropolitan police officers do not use other than standard issue truncheons; and how many have been found in possession of such weapons since January 1980.
§ Mr. Giles ShawI understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that uniformed constables produce their truncheons to a senior officer when they are briefed for duty. When any officer has occasion to use or draw his truncheon he is required to submit it for inspection by his station officer as soon as practicable. No central record is keep of instances of officers being found in possession of truncheons that are not of standard issue.
§ Mr. Dobsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the defensive role of truncheons, outlined in Metropolitan Police Instruction Book (ch. 10) and Stones Justices Manual (p. 36), applies in all circumstances.
§ Mr. Giles ShawI understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that all truncheons are issued for use in a defensive role.