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Highest number of fatal police shootings for 12 years Highest number of fatal police shootings for 12 years
(35 minutes later)
The numbers of fatal police shootings and deaths after police pursuits in England and Wales both rose sharply in the last year, the latest figures show.The numbers of fatal police shootings and deaths after police pursuits in England and Wales both rose sharply in the last year, the latest figures show.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission said there were six fatal police shootings between April 2016 to March 2017, up from three in 2015/16.The Independent Police Complaints Commission said there were six fatal police shootings between April 2016 to March 2017, up from three in 2015/16.
The number of deaths in police road traffic incidents rose by 11 to 32 - the biggest total in eight years.The number of deaths in police road traffic incidents rose by 11 to 32 - the biggest total in eight years.
The six shootings included that of Westminster attacker Khalid Masood.The six shootings included that of Westminster attacker Khalid Masood.
It is the highest number in 12 years.It is the highest number in 12 years.
Twenty-eight of the road traffic deaths were related to police pursuits of vehicles.Twenty-eight of the road traffic deaths were related to police pursuits of vehicles.
'Fuels car pursuit controversy' Analysis: BBC home affairs correspondent Danny Shaw
Home affairs correspondent Danny Shaw said the rise in road pursuit deaths will "give more cause for concern". Since the IPCC was set up in 2004, there have never been more than a handful of fatal police shootings in a year, so the fact there have been six is unlikely to raise alarm bells.
He added: "This is going to fuel the controversy over recent years about the police tactics that are used when they're pursuing a suspect car. And, as the watchdog points out, the number has to be set in context: there were more than 14,700 police firearms operations during the same 12-month period - the vast majority pass off without a shot being fired, let alone anyone dying.
"Some officers insist that the rules are too restrictive, that they would like more licence to be able to pursue vehicles. However, the sharp rise in pursuit-related deaths - after a concerted effort by police and the IPCC to reduce the number of such casualties - will prompt searching questions. Of the 28 who died, 18 were either passengers in the suspect vehicle or other road users.
"But there are others which say actually the rules aren't restrictive enough - police get a head of steam and it ends in tragedy. And I think that's really where the controversy lies." Does the rise simply reflect an upsurge in criminal activity? Is it because suspects have become increasingly reckless? Or have police standards on the roads slipped?
The IPCC and the National Police Chiefs' Council will have to get to the bottom of it quickly.
Dame Anne Owers, chairwoman of the IPCC, said the six fatal shootings occurred across six forces.Dame Anne Owers, chairwoman of the IPCC, said the six fatal shootings occurred across six forces.
The IPCC report said that was no evidence to suggest misconduct by firearms officers in four of the cases, and that it was continuing to investigate the other two cases. The shooting of Khalid Masood was the only one related to terrorism.
The shooting of Khalid Masood was the only death that was terrorism-related. The watchdog said the investigation into that case and two others had been completed and all three found no evidence of any misconduct by firearms officers.
She said: "Investigations into three of the 2016/17 incidents are complete and, as in the great majority of firearms investigations, we have found no indication of misconduct by any firearms officer." In addition, another inquiry, which is still ongoing, is also yet to find any evidence of wrongdoing by police.
Investigations into two other shootings are still to conclude.
The National Police Chiefs Council and the IPCC will examine whether changes to police pursuit safety or training are needed after the rise in road traffic deaths, added Dame Anne.The National Police Chiefs Council and the IPCC will examine whether changes to police pursuit safety or training are needed after the rise in road traffic deaths, added Dame Anne.
The IPPC data also showed there were 14 deaths in police custody - the second lowest figure it has recorded.The IPPC data also showed there were 14 deaths in police custody - the second lowest figure it has recorded.
Eight of the 14 people who died were reported to have mental health problems.Eight of the 14 people who died were reported to have mental health problems.