Police To Use Firearms Against Arsonists – Riot Report

A report into the August riots in London have recommended that police use firearms against arsonists who are targeting properties linked to residential homes.

The review into the summer riots by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) also recommended the use of other riot control tactics that represent a step-change in force by police, including water cannons and plastic bullets.

In a section in the report called "The Rules Of Engagement", the report found that arson attacks on commercial buildings with links to residential dwellings would "clearly constitute a threat of serious injury" or life and would "justify the use of force".

"Given the immediacy of the risk and the gravity of the consequences it would be likely to justify at least the use of AEPs [Attenuating Energy Projectiles, more commonly called plastic bullets or baton rounds] targeted at specific individuals in order to bring about the cessation of the conduct, and potentially the use of firearms."

The report found that the public's views on the use of force were more mixed overall and that while half thought the police did not use enough force, 43% thought that what they did was "about right‟.

Those surveyed in the more troubled locations of Croydon and Haringey were more likely to say that too little force was used.

A spokesman for the HIMC said: "Rapidly increasing the number of officers on the streets remains the best option for deterring and dampening disorder with the least use of force.

"However, when disorder spreads quickly, overtaking the police across urban areas, then other feasible, mobile, disruptive tactics may have to be considered to protect the public from looting, arson or violent attacks. A range of tactics to deal with more than one or two seats of dangerous disorder has to be available in reality – not just as theoretical options in manuals."

(DW)