§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Chief of West Mercia Police on the incident at a house in Bicton Heath, Shrewsbury on Sunday 26 October which led to a five month old baby being taken to hospital as a result of the effects of CS spray; and if he will make a statement. [14489]
§ Mr. MichaelWest Mercia Police are unaware of an infant being exposed to CS during this incident, in which a man was sprayed, and no complaint has been received in respect of any such allegation.
§ 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 indicating the amount of CS spray which the Commissioner has(a) purchased and (b) distributed; if all police officers receiving the spray will be trained in its use and in official guidelines relating to its use; what arrangements he has made for its storage, and inventory; and if he will make a statement. [14482]
§ Mr. MichaelThe Commissioner tells me that the Metropolitan Police has made an initial purchase of 28,200 operational CS incapacitant sprays which have been distributed to all Operational Command Units. Prior to being issued with CS spray, officers will undertake an initial four hour training course. Additionally, they will receive refresher training at least once a year which emphasises the importance of after care for persons sprayed.
CS sprays will be stored in specifically designed secure cabinets at the Operational Command Units. These cabinets are marked in accordance with fire and chemical storage regulations. A detailed record is maintained in relation to all devices. Each device is individually serial numbered and is issued against signature. The record of issue is then updated following discharge or disposal of the device.