Suffolk police will shoot to kill
A SHOOT to kill policy is active in Suffolk today for police officers who believe a terrorist is threatening the lives of those who live in the county.
A SHOOT to kill policy is active in Suffolk today for police officers who believe a terrorist is threatening the lives of those who live in the county.
Officers have received training on how to react if a terrorist situation was to arise in the area, and procedures including shooting the suspect if they feel they are endangering lives.
A national policy, called Deadly and Determined Attacks, outlines that officers anywhere in the country can fire weapons if they believe their own lives or those of others are in immediate danger.
But police in Suffolk have today said that while they are ready for this type of situation if it arises, they believe it is very unlikely.
A police spokeswoman said: "Suffolk is a very safe place in which to live and work.
"While we have no reason to believe that a major incident is likely to take place here, we constantly review our procedures and take all necessary steps to ensure that we are prepared to react quickly and effectively, should any incident occur.
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"Firearms officers in Suffolk have received training on how to deal with every manner of threat from the most minor to the most serious, including deadly and determined attackers, in accordance with national guidelines.
"Their priority will always be the safety of the general public as well as that of the offender.
"All officers frequently refresh and enhance their skills through regular training programmes and exercises."
The Deadly and Determined Attacks Policy outlines when and where officers would be able to fire at suspects.
A statement about the policy, which has been released by the Association of Chief Police Officers, said: "The attacks are designed to be used on an intelligence basis. They are not implemented at random, but as the result of intelligence and backed up by a senior decision making.
"They include specialised tactics for both response to the sudden appearance of a suspect where intelligence suggests they may be about to commit a deadly attack, and for surveillance of suspects identified through intelligence.
"They are designed for use in relation to suspects on foot, in buildings and in vehicles."
