WIREDGOV

An independent investigation into a recent accidental firearms discharge by a West Midlands Police (WMP) constable has found no evidence of misconduct by the officer.

The incident occurred on 21 February 2016 during a property search in Hockley, Birmingham. Although the officer believed the safety catch on the Sig 516 carbine he was holding was set to the ‘safe’ position during the search, the weapon discharged inside the house. Nobody was injured and minor property damage occurred.

Test results provided to the IPCC showed the carbine was functioning correctly, and that the safety catch had been accidentally set to ‘fire’, either by the officer himself or by the self-modified glove he was wearing causing the safety catch to move.

While the investigation found that the officer’s performance was unsatisfactory, there was no evidence of a breach of the Standards of Professional Behaviour.

The IPCC investigation noted that WMP created an immediate development plan for the officer, who the investigation established had attended close to 50 armed call outs in the past year without error. The officer was required to complete a number of drills and actions while handling a weapon correctly, which he passed.

The IPCC also found that WMP handled the incident appropriately, given the potential injuries that may have occurred. The force followed national guidance in ensuring that the officer holding the carbine was removed from the search straight away, initial statements were taken from those involved, and the weapon was immediately secured and removed for testing. The officer responsible also provided a comprehensive statement to the IPCC.

Following this investigation, the IPCC has recommended that the WMP firearms unit review whether self-modified clothing worn by firearms officers, in particular tactical gloves, are fit for purpose and not potentially interfering with safety selectors on weapons.