Calls for "top to bottom reform" over gun licensing system after Plymouth shooting
MP Luke Pollard has responded after the IOPC issued an update on its investigation
Last updated 7th Oct 2021
There are fresh calls for "clear answers" over how the Plymouth gunman came to legally own a weapon.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating exactly that.
On Wednesday, the watchdog announced a gross misconduct notice had been issued to a member of police staff.
Jake Davison killed five people in August and it has since emerged that he had a shotgun and license taken away, but given back a month before.
The 22-year-old assaulted two people in 2020 and was placed on a voluntary intervention programme - an alternative to being charged or cautioned - after admitting to the assaults.
Local MP Luke Pollard, says no matter the outcome of the IOPC investigation, we need "top to bottom reform" of the gun licensing system.
"People with a violent past should not have access to firearms"
In a video statement issued after Wednesday's update from the IOPC, Mr Pollard said: "Keyham needs clear answers. Why was the gun returned and how was this allowed to happen.
"As a community we're all hurting and we put our faith in the independent police watchdog to get us the answers that we need.
"People with a violent past should not have access to firearms.
"It's clear to me that whether Devon and Cornwall Police followed the right procedures or not, the system of gun licensing needs top to bottom reform so the public can be kept safe".
Mr Pollard added: "I'm really proud of the way that Keyham and Plymouth have come together, stepped up to look after one another after the shooting,
"With this latest news, we'll need more of that and more resilience in the days and weeks ahead".
IOPC Regional Director David Ford said he offers his "heartfelt sympathies" to everyone affected by the shooting.
"We still have significant investigative work to undertake but continue to make good progress with our enquiries", he said.
"We are reviewing a substantial amount of information gathered from Devon & Cornwall Police and elsewhere and the force has continued to co-operate fully with our independent investigation.
“We intend to complete our investigation before the end of this year.
"We will share any lessons that may be learned with the force and wider organisations as they emerge.
"At the conclusion of our investigation, we will decide whether any individual has a disciplinary case to answer.
"We expect to submit a final investigation report, which will set out our findings, to the Coroner and Devon & Cornwall Police in December".
Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Jim Nye reiterated that the force is cooperating with the IOPC.
“We acknowledge that the IOPC has served a police officer with a misconduct notice and a staff member with a gross misconduct notice, in relation to their involvement with Jake Davison", he said.
"The force is supporting our staff through this process.
“Our thoughts remain with all those affected by this tragic incident.
"Whilst the IOPC investigation continues, we have already complied fully with a national review of firearms licensing procedures, and commissioned an independent review of our own processes".