'We must not jump to conclusions' says police boss as review continues
A peer review of Devon and Cornwall Police's firearms licensing procedures is to involve the force commissioner - whose job is to hold the organisation to account.
The inquiry will be overseen by the National Police Chiefs Council and follows a shooting in which five people were killed by Jake Davison, 22, who then took his own life.
The killings took place just weeks after a shotgun was returned to the killer - after being removed in December following an allegation of assault.
Commissioner Alison Hernandez, who is today attending a memorial service for the victims of Thursday’s attack, said she wanted to reassure residents of the city and update them on activity since it occurred.
She will be working with partners in a bid for funding to ensure that communities affected by the shooting have long-term support in place.
Her office has been present in Keyham with Victim Support professionals since Friday to provide practical and emotional support to residents.
She said: "I have spent considerable time with this community after this appalling incident and want to reassure them that we stand with them at this tremendously difficult time,” she said.
“Not only have they lost much-loved friends and family members but they have found themselves at the centre of a sometimes intrusive national and international media presence.
"The impact of this will be felt by this community for a long time. I want to let the people of Keyham know that after the initial attention has died down we will still be there for them.
“We must not jump to conclusions about the reasons for these heinous crimes but await the Independent Office of Police Conduct’s investigation, an NPCC led inquiry into the police’s procedures and the coroner’s report as we seek to fully understand what, if any, changes may need to be made into firearms licensing procedures.
“I am assisting the Chief Constable to organise a fast review of the general procedures of firearms licensing in Devon and Cornwall to ensure they are following national guidance correctly.
“We will also be working with Police and Crime Commissioners from around the country to ensure that if there are lessons to be learned licensing procedures in England and Wales these will be shared with colleagues from around the country."
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s van has been present at the Co-Op supermarket in Wolesley Road, Keyham, since Friday and will be at the Lidl supermarket today (Weds, 18/8) and tomorrow (Thursday 19/8). There anyone affected by the shooting can receive free practical and emotional support from Victim Support staff and volunteers.
Anyone wanting to contact Victim Support can call them on 0808 1689111 or live chat online at victimsupport.org.uk.
A church service is being held today (Wednesday 18 August) to remember those who lost their lives in the Keyham tragedy last week.
The Bishop of Plymouth, the Right Reverend Nick McKinnel will be leading the service at 10.30am at the Minister Church, of St Andrews, Royal Parade, Plymouth, PL1 2AD.
For more about the police review into firearms click here