Update on investigation into Nottinghamshire Police gun incident

10 Feb 2015 02:17 PM

An Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) investigation into the discharge of a police gun at a Nottinghamshire Police event is continuing.

A seven-year-old girl was injured when a gun was fired at a public event for children and their parents at the force’s headquarters on 30 October 2014.

The IPCC is exploring why live firearms were present and used as part of a demonstration at the event.

The IPCC is also investigating:

• whether the use of live firearms at a public demonstration was authorised, and if so by whom
• what protocols the force has to ensure public safety in relation to the use of firearms
• whether force and national policies and protocols were breached by the presence of live firearms at the demonstration
• whether firearms officers placed members of the public and other officers at risk in their handing of the firearms that they had responsibility for
• how Nottinghamshire Police responded following the discharge of the firearm
• whether an attempt was made to cover-up the incident

The IPCC is also reviewing previous firearms incidents at Nottinghamshire Police within the past six months where negligence may have been reported.

CCTV footage has been obtained from the force and the IPCC has made contact with the injured girl’s family.

Three officers – two Pc firearms officers and a Sergeant who is a dog handler – have been served with gross misconduct notices informing them that their conduct is under investigation. They will be interviewed by IPCC staff.

The investigation is being overseen by IPCC Commissioner Derrick Campbell. He said: “I am extremely concerned about the discharge of a police gun at an event attended by members of the public. The public must have confidence that police officers who carry guns do so with highest standards of care and professionalism – and that the policies and procedures that govern their work are rigorously adhered to at all times.”

Notes to editors:

For media enquiries contact the IPCC press office on 0161 246 8633.

Notices being served on officers do not carry an assumption of guilt. It simply informs the officer that they are under formal investigation and the level of severity.