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Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.23.033008
I note you seek access to the following information:
I am writing to request information on the following topics:
How are firearms officers held accountable for their actions?
What mechanisms are in place to ensure that firearms officers are operating within the law and Met policy?
Specifically, I am interested in the following:
1. What are the different types of investigations that can be launched into the actions of a firearms officer?
2. Who is responsible for conducting these investigations?
3. What are the possible outcomes of these investigations?
4. What are the different types of disciplinary action that can be taken against a firearms officer?
5. What are the different types of training that firearms officers receive on accountability and the use of force?
6. How does the MPS monitor the use of force by firearms officers?
I would appreciate it if you could provide me with any documentation related to these topics, including policies, procedures, guidance, documents, videos, or other internal intranet materials.
I have today decided to disclose some of the requested information. Some data has been withheld as it is exempt from disclosure and therefore this response serves as a Refusal Notice under Section 17 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act) by virtue of the following exemptions:
Section 21 – Information reasonably accessible by other means
Reason for decision
Section 21 – Information reasonably accessible by other means - The information requested has been identified as being accessible via other means as it is already published. Where information is already in the public domain we are not required to re-publish the data; instead public authorities are required to direct you to the information, which we have done in this instance.
I am pleased to inform you that information relevant to your questions 1, 2, 3 and 4 is already in the public domain. Authorised Firearms Officers (AFOs) remain warranted Constables and are subject to the same regulations as all officers. Guidance in relation to those regulations can be found in the Police (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2020, and in Home Office Statutory Guidance. To assist, and for your convenience, please find links to these documents below:
The Police (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2020 (legislation.gov.uk)
Home Office Guidance Conduct, Efficiency and Effectiveness: Statutory Guidance on Professional Standards, Performance and Integrity in Policing
As the information you are seeking above is reasonably accessible by other means the exemption provided by Section 21 of the Act has been applied to refuse disclosure in this case.
Please see the disclosure section below for information that has been located in relation to your questions 5 & 6 and assessed as suitable for disclosure.
Disclosure
Q5 - What are the different types of training that firearms officers receive on accountability and the use of force?
Authorised Firearms Officers (AFOs) receive the same training as all warranted Constables in the MPS on accountability and the use of force.
Firearms courses also have a specific focus on the use of force.
All training is in line with national guidance. Please access the link below to relevant information published on the College of Policing website:
Use of force, firearms and less lethal weapons | College of Policing
Q6 - How does the MPS monitor the use of force by firearms officers?
When force has been used, it is MPS policy for all officers, including AFOs, to complete a ‘Use of Force’ form.
All use of force is published on the MPS Use of Force Dashboard. The Dashboard can be accessed direct via the link below: