Firearms discharge ‘negligent and preventable’

Police Scotland should “rigorously follow” accepted practice and procedures to avoid further accidental discharge of firearms, an investigation has concluded.

The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) examined the unintentional discharge of a G36C carbine loaded with paint rounds during a training exercise in Alloa in December last year.

The discharge occurred when the sling of the officer’s weapon became twisted following completion of his function checks. While attempting to unravel his weapon the officer accidentally discharged it.

The approved lesson plan for the exercise stated that officers would not be issued with paint rounds until they had familiarised themselves with their weapon.

However, in an effort to save time, instructors decided to issue officers with them in the morning.

The PIRC concluded the discharge of the firearm was negligent and preventable and that, if accepted practice and procedures had been adhered to, the incident would not have occurred.

A pin board attached to a wall was slightly damaged but nobody was injured.

Following an examination of the weapon, no technical fault was found.

Police Scotland confirmed that since the event it has taken action to ensure procedures are rigidly adhered to.

All incidents involving the force’s use of firearms must be referred to the PIRC for independent investigation.