Version Date: 24/02/2017
Devon & Cornwall Police
Record 1
Freedom of Information Act Request No: 0677/17
Details of incidents where police firearms have been accidentally fired (known as
negligent discharges) since January 2013 up until the date this request was
received.
Please include:
- The date and place of the incident.
- Full details of the incident (e.g. how the accident happened, injuries resulting from
the accident).
- The type of firearm involved in the incident.
- Details of any disciplinary action taken against officers responsible for a negligent
discharge.
The Firearms Team have provided the following information:
There have been 2 negligent discharges. Both occurred when downloading weapons at
the end of an operational shift within the Ops Armoury at HQ, Exeter. Both occurred away
from the public and within the armoury. No injuries occurred and no members of public
were put in danger. Details are almost identical for each and are as follows:
Incident 1
- The date and place of the incident. March 2013 Ops HQ Armoury, Exeter
- Full details of the incident (e.g. how the accident happened, injuries resulting from
the accident). Officer downloading his personal sidearm at the end of the shift. Weapon
was downloaded into the sand bullet catcher as per SOPs, however officer forgot to
remove the last round in the chamber before easing action on the SLP. No injuries and no
danger to public.
- The type of firearm involved in the incident. Glock 17 Self Loading Pistol (SLP)
- Details of any disciplinary action taken against officers responsible for a negligent
discharge. No disciplinary action however officer was put on an action plan and
development training.
Page 1 of 2
Version Date: 24/02/2017
Incident 2
- The date and place of the incident. August 2014 – Ops HQ Armoury, Exeter
- Full details of the incident (e.g. how the accident happened, injuries resulting from
the accident). Officer downloading his personal sidearm at the end of the shift. Weapon
was downloaded into the sand bullet catcher as per SOPs, however officer forgot to
remove the last round in the chamber before easing action on the SLP. No injuries and no
danger to public.
- The type of firearm involved in the incident. Glock 17 Self Loading Pistol (SLP)
- Details of any disciplinary action taken against officers responsible for a negligent
discharge. No disciplinary action however officer was put on an action plan and
development training.
Page 2 of 2