Peer review into police firearms procedures after mass shooting in Plymouth
It will involve Devon and Cornwall's Police and Crime Commissioner and be overseen by the National Police Chiefs Council
Last updated 18th Aug 2021
A peer review into Devon and Cornwall Police's firearms licensing procedures is to be carried out after the mass shooting in Plymouth.
The inquiry will be overseen by the National Police Chiefs Council.
Five people were killed when 22-year-old local Jake Davison opened fire in Keyham.
It happened just weeks after a shotgun was returned to the gunman - after being removed in December following an allegation of assault.
On Friday, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) announced its own investigation into Devon and Cornwall Police’s decision-making in relation to Davison’s possession of the weapon and certificate.
Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez will be assisting Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer during the review.
She said: “We must not jump to conclusions about the reasons for these heinous crimes but await the Independent Office of Police Conduct’s investigation, an NPCC led inquiry into the police’s procedures and the coroner’s report as we seek to fully understand what, if any, changes may need to be made into firearms licensing procedures.
“I am assisting the Chief Constable to organise a fast review of the general procedures of firearms licensing in Devon and Cornwall to ensure they are following national guidance correctly.
“We will also be working with Police and Crime Commissioners from around the country to ensure that if there are lessons to be learned licensing procedures in England and Wales these will be shared with colleagues from around the country".
Read more information about the police review into firearms.
Alison Hernandez, who is today (Wednesday 18th August, attending a memorial service for the victims, said she wanted to reassure residents of the city and update them on activity since it occurred.
She will be working with partners in a bid for funding to ensure that communities affected by the shooting have long-term support in place.
Her office has been present in Keyham with Victim Support professionals since Friday to provide practical and emotional support to residents.
She said: "I have spent considerable time with this community after this appalling incident and want to reassure them that we stand with them at this tremendously difficult time,” she said.
“Not only have they lost much-loved friends and family members but they have found themselves at the centre of a sometimes intrusive national and international media presence.
"The impact of this will be felt by this community for a long time. I want to let the people of Keyham know that after the initial attention has died down we will still be there for them.
Anyone wanting to contact Victim Support can call them on 0808 1689111 or live chat online at victimsupport.org.uk.