Plymouth shooting: City's recovery has been a "team effort", says Devon's crime boss
August 12 marks one year since the tragic incident in Keyham
Last updated 8th Aug 2022
Devon and Cornwall's Police and Crime Commissioner says that there is still more work to be done, nearly one year on from the Plymouth shooting.
Alison Hernandez says that it has been a "team effort" in helping the bereaved families and the people of Keyham and Ford, as well as supporting the city’s recovery.
But she says that there is still a way to go:
"I think there’s a few things yet to learn from what can happen because we've still got the coronial process to go through. This is the inquest into the deaths of those individuals, which is not happening until January.
"The Independent Office of Police Conduct investigation into the officers and staff involved in the Firearms Licencing Department - not published because of the coronial process.
"I've got an internal report that I did with the Chief Constable to look at the whole Firearms Licencing Department - unable to publish because of the coronial process.
"I think there's a bit of frustration around can you really get lessons learnt when only a few people can actually see some of the key information?
"So I think there's still a way to go yet in terms of all of our organisations being able to really flourish and make sure that we're picking up those things that could be better."
She adds that she wishes the process could be speedier: "We’ve got families waiting and wanting to know more to help them with their closure and the fact that they've got to wait until January next year, I think that's the really sad thing overall."
WATCH: Alison Hernandez reflects one year on from the Keyham shooting
Plymouth lost five lives following the incident in Keyham last year - two other people were injured.
This Friday (August 12), people will come together to mark exactly one year since the tragedy, with a vigil taking place for the Keyham community in North Down Crescent Park at 7.00pm.
The wider Plymouth community will also be able to pay their respects and light candles near Smeaton’s Tower at the Hoe from the same time.
Ms Hernandez tells us that we need to keep remembering what has occurred: "I think as leaders, it's our job to make sure that we are mindful of it on a regular occasion.
"We know it can be re-traumatising just to even talk about it, with people who are directly affected, and I know Plymouth itself is trying to become a trauma informed city; so that we do treat people in a way that's much more compassionate and understanding ending than we do now.
"We don't want Keyham to be defined by the tragedy, but we certainly want to make sure that everyone that lives in Keyham fulfils their potential and are able to have a fulfilling life as they go forward.
"Let’s hope that the future is bright for Keyham."