§ Mr. Marlowasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he proposes to review the procedures relating to the use of firearms by the police; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HurdI am aware of and understand the public concern about the use of firearms by the police in recent562W months. I have therefore set in hand a thorough review of the relevant procedures. A working group, under Home Office chairmanship, will look at such matters as the selection and training of police officers in the use of firearms, the procedures for authorisation to issue firearms for particular operations, the existing instructions and guidelines regarding issue and use, and the choice of weapons and ammunition. The review of policy in these areas will involve representatives of police forces and appropriate staff associations. I am also in touch with the chairman of the independent Police Complaints Authority, who has sent me some general observations in advance of the conclusion of the authority's work on recent incidents involving firearms. In order not to prejudice any criminal or disciplinary proceedings which are pending, or could arise, from those incidents the authority cannot at this stage publish a report on these matters, but it intends to do so.
I am concerned that the review should work quickly but also take account of as wide a range of opinion as possible. To that end I would invite police authorities and any other bodies, organisations or individuals to submit their views in writing to the Home Office by 31 March 1986.
When the review is completed I shall advise the House of its conclusions.