Press Release

Reference:  101/04  Date:  October 6, 2004

ACPO RESPOND TO THAMES VALLEY POLICE REPORT

Following the publication of Thames Valley's review into the Highmoor Cross shootings today (Wednesday), Ian Arundale, ACPO lead on the police use of firearms and Assistant Chief Constable of West Mercia Constabulary, said:
"ACPO notes the contents of the press release and the summary of the Thames Valley Police report into the incident at Highmoor Cross on the 6th June 2004. The response of Thames Valley Police to this incident is however, solely a matter for the Chief Constable and we applaud the scrutiny of the force's response and the clear commitment to improve their structures and training for the operational deployment and command of armed police officers.
"The Home Secretary's Code of Practice on the Police Use of Firearms and Less Lethal Weapons and the ACPO Manual of Guidance on the Police Use of Firearms, provide guidance and direction to all Police Forces in England and Wales. The ACPO Manual is a dynamic document and relevant lessons learn from all firearms deployments are incorporated, as and when necessary.
"At the present time a copy of the full report from Thames Valley Police has not yet been made available to the ACPO Working Group on Police Use of Firearms. When received a thorough examination of the content of the report will take place and appropriate action will be considered against the recommendations made.
"ACPO works closely with the Independent Police Complaints Commission, the Home Office and other organisations to ensure that our guidance is relevant and pragmatic. A national database also supports the promulgation of good practice among forces.
"ACPO cannot comment on the detail of this specific incident. ACPO does however, fully recognise the risks associated with all incidents requiring the deployment of armed officers. Dynamic incidents require a careful balance of an appropriate and timely deployment combined with effective command and sound tactics.
"Additionally, ACPO considers open and transparent post incident reviews essential in order to capture learning for individual forces and to facilitate relevant amendments to policy and guidance."

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NOTES FOR EDITORS;

For information about the CST report please contact the CST press office on 020 8457 9960

The ACPO Press Office can be contacted via 020 7227 3406/3425 (office hours) or via 07803 903686 (out of office hours).

Through a series of committees and working groups ACPO members, often in consultation with develop policy and guidance for the police service. The Association aims to assist chief officers in providing excellence in leadership of the service; to ensure a professional and ethical service is delivered to all communities; and to provide professional advice to Government. Police Authorities other organisations and individuals with an interest in policing issues.

ACPO's 292 members are police officers of Assistant Chief Constable rank (Commanders in the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police) and above, and senior police staff managers, in the 44 forces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, plus national agencies such as NCIS and the National Crime Squad, and other forces such as British Transport Police and States of Jersey Police.