JB-15.19
Response
Accepted
Self-assessed
Guidance on uniformity of firearms commands
Recommendation
Advice should be given by the College of Policing about the benefits of uniformity in instructions and commands. Ultimate discretion as to what is said must be left to the CTSFOs, based on the situation that confronts them, but the protocol should encourage agreement to be reached on the command/instruction that is to be given.
Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
According to the MPS Response of 28 October 2022, the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) was in consultation with the College of Policing regarding uniformity of commands and instructions for firearms officers. According to the College of Policing's Authorised Professional Practice (APP-AP) update from August 2023, this recommendation was completed, suggesting advice on uniformity of instructions and commands was provided (College of Policing APP-AP update, August 2023).
How was this assessed?
Assessed by gemini-2.5-flash on 19 Mar 2026
Checked data held on this site (government responses, progress updates, independent evidence)
External sources searched: www.gov.uk, web.archive.org, www.legislation.gov.uk, hansard.parliament.uk
This recommendation asks for cultural or behavioural change, which is difficult to verify objectively. The assessment is based on policy commitments, not measured outcomes.
Jurisdiction
England
Section Reference
15.19
Response
Accepted
Response
Accepted
Accepted
Metropolitan Police Service
28 Oct 2022
MPS formally responded on 28 October 2022 (para 37). MPS in consultation with College of Policing on uniformity of commands and instructions.
Progress Timeline
Official Report
01 Aug 2023
Status as of College of Policing APP-AP update (August 2023): Completed
Responsible Bodies
College of Policing
Primary
Themes & Tags
Recommendation age
3.7 yrs
Last formal update
966 days ago