PIRC finds accidental firearms discharge was negligent and preventable

The accidental discharge of a police firearm during a training exercise was negligent and preventable, the Police Investigations & Review Commissioner (PIRC) has found.

In an investigation report published today, the commissioner, Kate Frame, concluded that had police practice and procedures been rigorously followed during the exercise the incident would not have happened.

Nobody was injured as a result of the discharge within the police training area at Longannet Power Station, Fife, on 14 December 2015 but a wall was slightly damaged.

Following a safety briefing the officers were issued with non-lethal training ammunition. This was contrary to the approved lesson plan which stated that the ammunition would not be issued until later in the day, once officers were familiar with their weapons.

The investigation revealed that the discharge of the weapon, which was loaded with non-lethal training ammunition, happened as the officer tried to unravel its sling after it became twisted and in doing so released the safety catch.

Since the event, Police Scotland has taken action to ensure rigorous adherence to its firearms procedures.

Ms Frame, said: “Had the guidance outlined in the lesson plan been adhered to, the firearm discharge was easily preventable.

“However, as Police Scotland has already taken the necessary steps to avoid similar incidents in future, I have no further recommendations following this investigation.”