24 October 2024

Federation: Proposed protections for police officers are most welcome and long overdue

Firearms police officers facing trial over shooting suspects will receive anonymity up to the point of conviction, the Home Secretary has said.

Yvette Cooper's announcement comes days after police officer Sgt Martyn Blake was cleared of murdering Chris Kaba.

Anonymity will stand on the rare instances firearms officers in England and Wales face criminal charges, Cooper said.

The reform to anonymity is part of a new package aimed at police accountability, which includes several measures proposed by the previous Government in March.

They include:

- Speeding up the process for the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) watchdog to send cases to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

- Raising the threshold for the IOPC to refer officers to the CPS

- Ensuring the highly specialised nature of certain policing tactics and tools is reflected in investigative guidance

James Dimmack, Chair of Dorset Police Federation, said: “The measures introduced by the Home Secretary are most welcome and long overdue.

"It cannot be overstated the pressure and responsibility there is to carry a firearm. Officers are accountable for their actions but don’t need the added worry of their name being made public when under scrutiny.

"This is especially pertinent to firearms officers as they are dealing with the most dangerous people in society, often linked with organised crime.

"Policing in general is an occupation that carries huge personal risk add to that the responsibility of carrying a firearm and that risk is exponentially raised. Officers are asked to do things others simply would indeed could not do.

"It is therefore correct to judge those actions appropriately in light of all of the circumstances. This should all be considered whilst ignoring the standard disapproving nosies from the media that generally accompany such cases.

"I am reassured by these proposals and hope that it is welcomed within the world of firearms policing. As ever the proof of the pudding will be in the eating. Will correct decisions be made at early stages?

"We need to stand as one and back each other up at all levels not be so paralysed with fear of public opinion. I am of the belief the silent majority of the public are right behind us so let’s do the right thing and stand by it. Then I am sure the public will stand by us."