JB-15.26
Response
Accepted
AI-assessed
Alternative to life hammer for window entry during armed operations
Recommendation
Consideration should be given by the MPS, Home Office and the NPCC to finding a more suitable solution for smashing windows during the course of an armed operation, so that an officer who is holding a firearm does not need to take their hand off their main weapon to utilise a life hammer.
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) firearms officers no longer used glass hammers for window entry during armed operations as of October 2022. Each officer was issued an extendable X-ball device, and each team was provided with a longer device for use at a distance. According to the College of Policing's APP-AP update from August 2023, this recommendation was "In Progress", likely referring to ongoing implementation or training.
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
Jurisdiction
England
Section Reference
15.26
Response
Accepted
Response
Accepted
Accepted
Metropolitan Police Service
28 Oct 2022
MPS formally responded on 28 October 2022 (para 39). MPS firearms no longer use glass hammer. Each officer issued extendable X-ball device; each team issued longer device for use at distance.
Progress Timeline
Official Report
01 Aug 2023
Status as of College of Policing APP-AP update (August 2023): In Progress
Responsible Bodies
Metropolitan Police Service
Primary
Themes & Tags
Recommendation age
3.7 yrs
Last formal update
966 days ago