Independent Police Complaints Commission
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IPCC issues Taser recommendation following Andrew Pimlott investigation
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has recommended that that the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and the College of Policing (CoP) revise their Taser training in order to provide a more comprehensive guide to officers when dealing with flammable liquids.
The IPCC makes clear that following this incident, Taser should only be considered for use in the presence of flammable substances as a last resort, and after every other available option has been considered and discounted.
The recommendation is included in the IPCC investigation report being published today, that examined events, including the discharge of Taser, surrounding the death of Andrew Pimlott in April 2013. Mr Pimlott died after suffering severe burns having doused himself in petrol. He was also Tasered during the incident.
The IPCC recommended, and Devon and Cornwall Police agreed, that an officer had a case to answer for gross misconduct for his actions. A misconduct panel held by Devon and Cornwall Police in March 2015 found that the case against the police constable was not proven.
At an HM Coroner inquest in Plymouth yesterday, a narrative verdict was returned that found that the Taser was the most likely source of ignition.
IPCC Associate Commissioner Tom Milsom said: “I hope today’s inquest verdict brings some closure to Andrew’s family, following his death in April 2013. I know how deeply this has affected them. My thoughts are with them and others involved in this tragic incident. The IPCC conducted a full and thorough investigation into his death culminating in a recommendation that the policing authorities review the use of Taser in close proximity to flammable liquids.”
The IPCC investigation report is available on our website here.
