Give facts to public after shootings to stop riots, watchdog tells police

 
Shot by police: Mark Duggan, whose killing sparked last summer's wave of rioting
10 April 2012

The police watchdog today declared that it was a "myth" that the Met was gagged from speaking to the public after the killing of Mark Duggan, as it issued new rules to prevent riots breaking out after future shootings.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission said it acknowledged a damaging "vacuum" occurred after the August killing of the 29-year-old Tottenham man by a firearms team from Scotland Yard.

The lack of information, which came despite a large demonstration outside Tottenham police station seeking answers about the shooting, led directly to the first night of last summer's rioting as angry protesters reacted by setting fire to cars and buildings. Both the IPCC and Met were strongly criticised in the wake of the disorder for their failure to respond to key questions, prompting the IPCC to issue new guidelines today that aim to prevent such problems recurring.

The rules state that the police should take the lead in speaking to the public when there is a risk of "tension or potential disorder" and that information about a "pre-planned operation", such as that involving Mr Duggan, can be given.

They also warn that "silence is not an option" and that although the facts about shootings and other incidents being probed by the IPCC are likely to be incomplete or unverified, details can be provided so long as they do not jeopardise ongoing investigations.

Today's guidance says police can answer questions about why they were in an area, how many officers were involved, and speak on "other matters impacting on local people or wider public interest" to avoid the threat of disorder.

The police are also told they should seek to brief family members and other "interested parties" ahead of any public pronouncements and should avoid off-the-record briefings.

Mr Duggan was shot as officers tried to arrest him. He had a pistol hidden in a sock, but had not fired it.

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