National recommendation - National Police Chiefs' Council, November 2020
In 2016 the IPCC investigated a Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officer's use of force that also involved the use of a multi tool. The multi tool was the officer's personal property. The blade on the multi tool was longer than 3 inches and was also lockable. The MPS policy stated that officers should only use equipment that has been authorised by the MPS. It was raised during the misconduct hearing that a large number of officers were carrying and using their own multi tools that had not been authorised by the MPS. After the conclusion of the misconduct hearing enquiries were received by the IOPC from other forces and police federations around the country seeking to clarify the position regarding the use of multi tools by officers.
IOPC reference
Recommendations
The IOPC recommends that the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) should issue national guidance that provides clarity to officers about the carrying and use of multi tools when on duty.
Do you accept the recommendation?
Yes
Accepted action:
Following examination of the comments by the LQC chair, consultation with a number of forces, Police Federation and NPCC leads the NPCC Operations Business Area will devise and issue advice to forces to recommend that they institute clear internal policies around the carriage and use of multi tools and folding pocket knives on duty based on the following principles:
Multi-tools or folding pocketknives are not personal protective equipment.Any multi tool or folding pocketknife carried by officers or staff should be such that they are not unlawful as set out by S139 Criminal Justice Act 1988; either by exemption or through the statutory defences.Use of any multi tool or pocketknife should be proportionate, legal and necessary and compatible with the College of Policing’s Code of Ethics and as such officers and staff are accountable for their use.Where carried this should be securely and in such a way as to minimise any negative public perception.