§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what evidence he has of the purchase and use by police officers of non-regulation size truncheons; what action he has taken ; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggWe have no such evidence, but I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that an officer of MS15 branch (complaints investigation bureau) has been appointed to investigate allegations contained in recent press reports. Similar inquiries are being made by officers of the Sussex constabulary.
§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis as to what steps he is taking to ensure that only regulation size truncheons are used by his force ; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggI understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that uniformed officers produce their truncheons to a supervising officer each time they begin a shift. If any officer has occasion to use or draw his truncheon on duty, he is required to submit it for inspection to the custody officer as soon as practicable.