Recommendation JB-15.5: Compulsory training on firearms authorisation forms
From Report into the Death of Jermaine Baker, published 5 July 2022.
Recommendation
Appropriate training and refresher courses on the usage and completion of FA (and equivalent) forms should be made compulsory for firearms commanders and Tactical Advisors.
In brief (written by this site)
In October 2022, the College of Policing stated that it was reviewing firearms commander training programmes to ensure that sufficient time is dedicated to completing command logs (Andy Walker response, Oct 2022). The Metropolitan Police Service reported in the same month that it had set aside training time for firearms authorisation forms, but noted that further training in their use and completion remained outstanding pending national command log revisions (Metropolitan Police Service response, Oct 2022). The record holds no update since the Metropolitan Police Service's response of October 2022 (Metropolitan Police Service response, Oct 2022).
AI-generated summary of the record on this page, checked by a second model and automatic checks, 26 Sep 2026. The record below is the sources' own words.
About this summary
This recommendation applies across many organisations. The record reflects central policy activity; adoption in individual organisations may vary.
Government response
As noted above in relation to multidimensional risk assessments, the MPS has already taken steps to set aside time during training days to focus trainees on the usage and completion of the FA forms. 14. Once the command logs are revised at a national level through the NPCC project, the MPS will ensure that training is provided in their use and completion. This will also provide an opportunity to tailor the revised template to address MPS specific procedures in which recommendation 4 will again be considered.
The requirements in respect of record keeping are clearly articulated in the relevant command training curriculum delivered on national courses. The fundamental principles of accurate and detailed command logs are set out and reinforced in APP-AP and commanders are familiarised with the national command log during initial training. As a consequence of this recommendation, the College is reviewing firearms commander training programmes to ensure that sufficient time is dedicated to the completion of command logs.
How this response relates to the recommendation
Site note: This is the College of Policing's letter of 27 October 2022, signed by Andy Walker, Head of Delivery, Uniformed Policing, College of Policing. The letter says it is "provided on behalf of the College and NPCC Armed Policing". The site files it under the College of Policing, whose words these are, including where the recommendation is addressed to the National Police Chiefs' Council.
Delivery
No statement on delivery from College of Policing has been found in the sources searched (last checked 2 October 2026). This is separate from the response above.
Responsible bodies
Themes and tags
Who has spoken
- Metropolitan Police Service
Response - College of Policing
Response