CPS Guidance: Intentional Police Shootings

Debate between Lord Mackenzie of Framwellgate and Lord Hermer

Tuesday 29th October 2024 Lords Chamber

[Lord Hermer (Lab)]

My Lords, it is not the intention to review the law of homicide. It is the intention that the director will review the guidance that is given to prosecutors when considering whether or not it is appropriate to bring charges in such circumstances. Prosecutors will do that in accordance with the code; it is the guidance for that code that is going to be reviewed.

[Lord Mackenzie of Framwellgate (Non-Afl)]

My Lords, can the Minister give some context to this by providing us with figures for the last five years on how often firearms drawn by police officers in anger are discharged? How often does that result in injury or death to the victim?

[Lord Hermer (Lab)]

My Lords, it speaks to the enormous bravery of firearms officers and the skill with which they discharge their duties that such instances are very rare indeed. We should all, as I said before, be thankful to those officers for that care and skill, and for their levels of professionalism. I am afraid that I do not have the precise figures to hand, but I will write this afternoon to the noble Lord to provide him with those figures.