08/11/2007

Orde Tipped For Top Met Post

As the pressure on London’s Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair builds up to resign, Sir Hugh Orde, who has been the PSNI’s chief constable since 2002, continues to be a front-runner to take over the post if Sir Ian does go.

Hugh Orde has already been tipped as a strong candidate to become the next head of the Metropolitan police, even before the current controversy in London.

Now, with fresh details on the controversial fatal police shooting of Brazilian Jean Charles de Menezes set to emerge today, Sir High may well be watching developments with more than the usual professional interest.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is due to publish its findings in the case of the 2005 Menezes killing.

The report is likely to contain details of the case not heard during the high profile trial of the Metropolitan Police over the case – in which the force was convicted last week of needlessly endangering the public.

The findings may add to pressure on Met Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair, who has resisted calls to resign.

Mr Blair has already fought off a vote of no confidence from London Assembly members, but now, as the IPCC interviewed witnesses, including police officers, who did not give evidence at the health and safety trial that ended last week, it seems certain that more damning evidence will emerge.

This is because the prosecution in that trial only had to show that the police had not taken reasonable precautions to protect the public.

The new report is expected to highlight confusion between the roles of different commanders on the day of the shooting - the day after the 21 July 2005 failed suicide bombing attempt in London - as well as serious communication failures.

And it will also make 15 separate recommendations to try to make sure the same mistakes do not happen again.

Mr de Menezes was shot dead by firearms officers at Stockwell Tube station after he was mistaken for a suicide bomber.

A jury at the Old Bailey ruled that the force broke health and safety laws when its officers shot him.

Four officers still face possible disciplinary action over the incident.

The motion of no confidence was passed in Sir Ian by the London Assembly by 15 votes to eight.

Sir Ian repeated his apology for the fatal shooting prior to the assembly's vote, but insisted he would not resign.


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