Recommendation JB-15.19: Guidance on uniformity of firearms commands
From Report into the Death of Jermaine Baker, published 5 July 2022.
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.
In brief (written by this site)
In October 2022, the College of Policing stated that it was consulting with the National Police Chiefs' Council, operational commanders, and practitioners to review guidance and assess the potential for greater clarity (Andy Walker response, Oct 2022). The Metropolitan Police Service confirmed in October 2022 that it was in consultation on the issue and welcomed assistance regarding best practice in firearms operations (Metropolitan Police Service response, Oct 2022). The record holds no update since the College of Policing's response of October 2022 (Andy Walker 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 asks for cultural or behavioural change, which is difficult to verify from published sources alone. The record reflects policy commitments rather than measured outcomes.
Government response
The MPS is in consultation with the College of Policing in relation to this issue, in line with the evidence given by Chief Firearms Instructor Philip Taylor. The MPS welcomes any and all assistance from the College of Policing and specialist firearms bodies as to best practice in firearms operations.
Armed officers train extensively in practically based scenarios where clear communication is practiced and assessed. Where practicable in the circumstances, instructions or communication will be a provided by a single officer. This is however not always practicable or realistic where multiple subjects and officers are involved. As a consequence of this recommendation, the College is consulting with NPCC, MPS and operational commanders and practitioners to review current guidance and assess the potential for greater clarity.
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