West Midlands Police officer cleared of misconduct after accidentally firing a gun at a Birmingham home

The officer was searching a property in South Road, Hockley, when his gun discharged. The officer had believed his weapon was set to 'safe' position but an investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) found the safety catch had been accidentally set to 'fire', either by the officer, who was experienced and had attended around 50 armed call outs in the previous 12 months without incident, or by a self-modifying glove he was wearing causing the safety catch to move.

No-one was injured by the gunfire but minor damage was caused to the property. A 22-year-old unemployed man was arrested during the operation on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear or violence.

The IPCC concluded the officer's performance was 'unsatisfactory' but found no evidence of a breach of the Standards of Professional Behaviour.

Following this investigation, the IPCC has recommended that the West Midlands Police firearms unit review whether self-modified clothing worn by firearms officers, in particular tactical gloves, are fit for purpose and not potentially interfering with safety selectors on weapons.