The Code of Practice on Police Use of Firearms and Less Lethal Weapons came into effect on 3 December 2003, and sets out the basic principles in relation to the selection, testing, acquisition and use of firearms and less lethal weapons by the police service. It also sets standards for the way in which these principles should beimplemented. Chief officers have a duty to have regard to the Code. In February 2009 the Policing Minister wrote to NPIA, under section 39A of the Police Act 1996, requesting a revision to the Code of Practice to refresh the content The consultation draft has been produced by NPIA in consultation with the Home Office and ACPO Working Group on Armed Policing. It has been sent to police forces, law enforcement agencies and key stakeholders and is open to anyone interested in providing feedback. For your chance to have your say you can download the document from this site. The consultation period will run for a period of three months, and the deadline for responses is Sunday 1 November. Please send responses to firearms.feedback@npia.pnn.police.uk. Any enquiries about the Code or the consultation process should also be sent to this address.
and to update various references which are now out of date.
