§ Mr. CotterTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the advice of the Police Scientific Development Branch on the use of soft-tipped bullets by the police. [148859]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeSoft-point ammunition in use by the police service is designed to transfer the maximum energy or "stopping power" to the target. It is less likely to endanger others by passing through the immediate target, or ricocheting from a hard surface. It is not intended to cause unnecessary injury.
It is not in the public interest to publish technical advice on the performance of ammunition suitable for police use. It contains information which could put both police officers and members of the public at risk and undermine the operational effectiveness of the police service.