Recommendation JB-15.20: Process for firearms officer return to duty after fatal shooting
From Report into the Death of Jermaine Baker, published 5 July 2022.
Recommendation
There needs to be proper and objective consideration by the NPCC as to whether, and if so when, it is appropriate for a firearms officer to return to active deployment following their part in a fatal shooting. Such consideration must always occur at an appropriately senior level in the organisation and take account of the views of the family of the deceased and all relevant public interest matters. A proper audit trail must be kept of the process.
In brief (written by this site)
In October 2022, Andy Walker, writing for the College of Policing and NPCC Armed Policing, stated that the National Police Chiefs' Council would "consult with stakeholders in developing further guidance" regarding officers returning to work following a police shooting (Andy Walker response, Oct 2022). The Metropolitan Police Service stated in October 2022 that it did not consider it appropriate to respond at that stage because the recommendation applied nationally (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 this is a national recommendation the MPS does not consider it would be appropriate to respond at this stage.
Current post incident APP includes the following guidance. ‘An officer’s authorisation to carry a firearm operationally should not automatically be removed because of their involvement in an incident, nor should they be automatically excluded from firearms training or other related duties. The force should make an evidence-based assessment in consultation with the IIA, the force PSD and the occupational health advice provider, as to when officers/staff should be permitted to resume their duties. This includes duties or roles in which they have regular access to firearms. A chief officer should regularly review, in consultation with the IIA, any decision to restrict or remove a KPW from their core role. Officers who have discharged their firearm must complete a mandatory occupational health post-incident support programme provided by their force.’ As a consequence of this recommendation, the NPCC will consult with stakeholders in developing further guidance in respect of officers returning to work in any capacity following their involvement in a ‘police shooting’.
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 National Police Chiefs Council 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