11293 report 19 - CAIN - University of Ulster

Further evaluation of the use of the AEP impact rounds was conducted by the Police Ombudsmanfollowing a serious public order situation that occurred on 4 August 2005 (Cambria Street/NorthBelfast). Seven AEPs were discharged at individual members of a rioting crowd, with eachdischarge examined by the Ombudsman’s investigators. The Regulation 20 report concluded thatthe discharge of AEPs was minimal and appropriate in the face of violent and sustained attacks bythe rioters, and the new AEP impact round appeared to reduce the risk of severe physical injurywhile preventing individuals from continuing attacks on the police officers.Once the Ombudsman releases an investigation report on a PBR incident, a group of senior policeofficers reviews the findings to determine if there are any policies, discipline, human rights ortraining matters that should be addressed by the Police Service. This post-utilisation review isconsidered a best practice with respect to the use of lethal and less than lethal force, and doesnot conflict with the investigation authority of the Ombudsman.The Policing Board commissioned the Human Rights Annual Report (2005) which examined thePolice Service and its use of force (firearms),AEPs, vehicle-mounted water cannon and CS spray,and concluded the Service was generally in compliance with the Human Rights Act 1998. TheReport on the Policing of the Ardoyne and Whiterock Parades (2005), also released by the PolicingBoard, noted that the use of the AEP impact round and the vehicle-mounted water cannon duringthese two serious public order situations, as well as the planning and tactics by the Police Service,were in compliance with the Human Rights Act 1998. The command and control exercised duringpublic order situations is a credit to the senior staff and the discipline exhibited under difficultcircumstances is a credit to the entire Police Service.The Policing Board also actively monitors police performance in public order situations. A PoliceService general order requires the DCU commander to include in his/her report thecircumstances and justification as to the need to discharge the impact rounds during public ordersituations. This report is immediately forwarded to the Policing Board where the Committee onHuman Rights receives the report and other documents and reviews and monitors all dischargesof impact rounds. The Committee also reviews incidents of public disorder and civil compensationclaims due to the actions of the officers, plus seeks follow-up reports from the Chief Constablewhere necessary.Recommendation 74: Police Performance in Public Order Situations (Guidance)Patten Recommendation:74. Guidance governing the deployment and use of PBRs should be soundly based in law, clearlyexpressed and readily available as public documents.Lead Responsibility: NIO/Policing Board/Chief ConstableRecommendation StatusCompliance with this recommendation has been achieved.92