HMICFRS Thematic Inspection of Armed Policing
Anthony Grainger Inquiry · The Anthony Grainger Inquiry Report into the Death of Anthony Grainger · Issued 11 July 2019 · Addressed to: HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services
Government responseHM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services: Accepted (May 2020)
DeliveryHM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services says in progress (Aug 2022)
Recommendation, verbatim from the inquiry
●Inquiry recommendation
Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (“HMICFRS”) should conduct a thematic inspection or inspections concerning: (i) the selection and training of officers authorised to use weapons requiring special authorisation (paragraph 2.3.1(b) of the Code of Practice on Police use of Firearms and Less Lethal Weapons); (ii) the selection and training of officers authorised to command incidents involving the use of weapons requiring special authorisation (paragraph 2.3.1(b) of the Code); (iii) the selection and training of officers authorised to provide tactical advice relating to the use of weapons requiring special authorisation (paragraph 2.3.1(b) of the Code); (iv) compliance with the Code and/or the Armed Policing module of Authorised Professional Practice (“APP”) relating to the police use of firearms (paragraph 2.3.1(c) of the Code); and (v) compliance with the Code and/or APP concerning the procurement and use of special munitions.
Anthony Grainger Inquiry, The Anthony Grainger Inquiry Report into the Death of Anthony Grainger · 11 Jul 2019 Source PDF →
Published evidence summary
AI-generated evidence summary
The Inquiry asked for thematic inspections into armed policing command, training, and munitions procurement. In August 2022, HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) reported reviewing force processes for acquiring new weapon systems and specialist munitions (HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, Aug 2022). In October 2021, the inspectorate reported checking whether officers commanding armed operations were properly trained and competent (HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, Oct 2021). The Home Office stated in May 2020 that the inspectorate considered its PEEL process the most effective and sustainable way to inspect armed policing and respond to the recommendation (Home Office response, May 2020).
Sources
AI-generated summary of the record on this page, checked by a second model and automatic checks, 12 Oct 2026.
Government response
●HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services · Accepted · 21 May 2020
HMICFRS response to the Anthony Grainger Inquiry. 13. HMICFRS have now had the opportunity to consider recommendation 2 of the Anthony Grainger Inquiry. 14. HMICFRS note that the Inquiry Chair, His Honour Judge Teague, was not prescriptive in the recommendation about the precise content for such inspections, or when they should take place. He recognised that these remain matters for HMICFRS. 15. HMICFRS consider that the improved PEEL process arriving in 2020/21 provides the most proportionate, effective and sustainable way both to inspect forces' arrangements for armed policing and the use of less lethal weapons, and to respond to the recommendation to HMICFRS from the Anthony Grainger Inquiry.
Extract from: Government response to the Anthony Grainger public inquiry (accessible version)
Delivery
●HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services says in progress · 18 Aug 2022
Because of the failings identified in the Anthony Grainger Inquiry, we reviewed the force’s checks on the processes in place should new weapon systems or specialist munitions need to be acquired. The JFU is in the process of testing new weapons with a view to updating the assault rifles currently issued to Dyfed-Powys Police, Gwent Police and South Wales Police officers. In accordance with national guidance, the force is working closely with the National Police Chief Council’s armed policing lead and the Home Office as part of the approval process.
From: Dyfed-Powys PEEL Assessments 2021/2022 (PEEL inspection 2021/22 of Dyfed-Powys Police)
Earlier statements on delivery (0)
●HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services · 24 Nov 2021
In response to the Anthony Grainger Inquiry, we reviewed the force’s procedures for acquiring new weapon systems and specialist munitions. The force understands how to document these procurements and the role of the designated chief officer in reviewing them. It is also familiar with its responsibilities to the NPCC armed policing lead and the Home Office, both of which are involved in testing and evaluating new weapons and munitions. The force hasn’t considered acquiring new weapons systems since January 2020, when new national guidance was published.
From: West Midlands PEEL Assessments 2021/2022 (PEEL inspection 2021/22 of West Midlands Police)
●HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services · 27 Oct 2021
Because of the failings identified by the Anthony Grainger Inquiry, we checked that officers in strategic and tactical command of armed operations were occupationally and operationally competent. We examined governance procedures and interviewed firearms commanders and found that officers are properly trained, their performance is monitored, and they are fit to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
From: Gloucestershire PEEL Assessments 2021/2022 (PEEL inspection 2021/22 of Gloucestershire Constabulary)
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