Jermaine Baker Inquiry

There should be an amendment to FA (and equivalent) forms to: a. encourage a multidimensional risk assessment (to comply with Article 2) to minimise, to the greatest extent possible, recourse to lethal force; b. include a provision for reference to evidential and, where appropriate, geographical tipping points; c. include a dedicated box on the FA2 form to be completed when no FA1 form has been completed, with an explanation for the reason therefor; d. include the provision (and the requirement) for updating the forms during the course of an operation.

Writing for the College of Policing and NPCC Armed Policing in October 2022, Andy Walker stated that an ongoing national review of command log standards would explicitly reflect the recommendation's requirements, with the results to be incorporated into authorised professional practice (Andy Walker response, Oct 2022). The Metropolitan Police Service reported in October 2022 that it had issued interim guidance to tactical advisers, but noted that further force guidance and training remained dependent on the national review (Metropolitan Police Service response, Oct 2022). The record holds no update since the Metropolitan Police Service's response of October 2022 (Metropolitan Police Service response, Oct 2022).

The NPCC and/or College of Policing should ensure that these amendments are reflected in the guidance and training given to forces nationally.

In October 2022, Andy Walker, writing on behalf of the College of Policing and NPCC Armed Policing, stated that existing national guidance lacked the recommended detail and that Authorised Professional Practice on recording armed operation briefings was being reviewed (Andy Walker response, Oct 2022). The Metropolitan Police Service stated in October 2022 that recording firearms briefings remained under review with national colleagues, leaving revised guidance outstanding (Metropolitan Police Service response, Oct 2022). The record holds no update since the Metropolitan Police Service's response of October 2022 (Metropolitan Police Service response, Oct 2022).

The College of Policing's Authorised Professional Practice – Armed Policing (APP-AP) should clarify that, during the course of an operation, any relevant intelligence should be briefed out to the firearms officers even if it is appropriate, in the circumstances, to provide clarification or a limitation warning together with the intelligence.

The College of Policing stated in October 2022 that it was reviewing Authorised Professional Practice to assess whether further guidance could be included regarding "limitation warnings", and would examine curriculum content to clarify terminology (Andy Walker response, Oct 2022). The Metropolitan Police Service stated in October 2022 that it had conveyed its willingness to assist with the review (Metropolitan Police Service response, Oct 2022). The record holds no update since the Metropolitan Police Service's response of October 2022 (Metropolitan Police Service response, Oct 2022).

When intelligence is being provided, the use of any language that is capable of misinterpretation is to be avoided. Training to address this point should be provided to all officers and staff directly or indirectly involved in armed operations.

Andy Walker, Head of Delivery, Uniformed Policing, stated on behalf of the College of Policing and NPCC Armed Policing in October 2022 that it was reviewing Authorised Professional Practice to assess whether to include guidance on "limitation warnings" and reviewing curriculum content to clarify terminology (Andy Walker response, Oct 2022). The Metropolitan Police Service stated in October 2022 that it was actively reviewing steps to address consistency of language between armed operations personnel alongside that national review (Metropolitan Police Service response, Oct 2022). The record holds no update since the Metropolitan Police Service's response of October 2022 (Metropolitan Police Service response, Oct 2022).

When a CMP is being used to gather evidence or intelligence, the MPS (and other forces) should consider developing an SOP to ensure that the information is adequately recorded to provide a clear audit trail.

In October 2022, the Metropolitan Police Service stated that it had not yet developed a standard operating procedure because of anticipated changes to digital platforms, adding that further consideration would follow the introduction of national technical solutions (Metropolitan Police Service response, Oct 2022). Earlier in October 2022, Chris Haward, NPCC Lead for Surveillance, reported that a Situational Awareness system was in procurement and implementation while a Decision and Case Management System remained in design and development (Chris Haward response, Oct 2022). The record holds no update since the Metropolitan Police Service's response of October 2022 (Metropolitan Police Service response, Oct 2022).

Advice should be given by the College of Policing about the benefits of uniformity in instructions and commands. Ultimate discretion as to what is said must be left to the CTSFOs, based on the situation that confronts them, but the protocol should encourage agreement to be reached on the command/instruction that is to be given.

In October 2022, the College of Policing stated that it was consulting with the National Police Chiefs' Council, operational commanders, and practitioners to review guidance and assess the potential for greater clarity (Andy Walker response, Oct 2022). The Metropolitan Police Service confirmed in October 2022 that it was in consultation on the issue and welcomed assistance regarding best practice in firearms operations (Metropolitan Police Service response, Oct 2022). The record holds no update since the College of Policing's response of October 2022 (Andy Walker response, Oct 2022).