Gross misconduct notice for police staffer
AMEMBER of Devon and Cornwall police staff has been issued with a gross misconduct notice over their handling of Plymouth gunman Jake Davison’s application for a shotgun certificate and the later decision to return it to him weeks before the killings, the Independent Office for Police Conduct said yesterday.
Davison, 22, shot dead five people in Plymouth – including a threeyear-old girl – during a 12-minute shooting spree. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating how the apprentice crane operator was originally granted a shotgun certificate in 2017 by Devon and Cornwall Police.
The official watchdog is also examining how Davison was handed back the weapon and certificate weeks before the shooting, both having been seized after he admitted two assaults.
Davison was placed on a voluntary intervention programme – an alternative to be charged or cautioned – after admitting assaulting two youths in a park in Plymouth in September last year. His shotgun and licence were not seized for another three months, until concerns were raised directly with the police by a member of staff working on the intervention programme.
In July this year, Davison was given back his shotgun, which he used for clay pigeon shooting, and certificate.
On August 12, he shot his mother dead following a row at her home in Biddick Drive, Keyham. He then went outside and killed three-yearold Sophie Martyn and her father Lee, 43.
Davison then shot Stephen Washington, 59, in a nearby park, before shooting Kate Shepherd, 66, on Henderson Place. He then turned the gun on himself before armed officers reached him.
The IOPC said the police staff member who handled Davison’s original shotgun application and also decided to return the weapon would be issued with a gross misconduct notice. A police officer who investigated the assault against Davison would be issued with a misconduct notice.
The IOPC said it was investigating whether they shared information appropriately with the force firearms and explosives licensing department regarding Davison’s admitted involvement in a violent offence, and whether they took appropriate steps to seize the shotgun certificate, shotgun, and ammunition.
IOPC regional director David Ford said: “Based on the evidence gathered so far, we have now served disciplinary notices on two individuals within the force to advise them their conduct is subject to investigation.
“The serving of such notices will be kept under review. We intend to complete our investigation before the end of this year.
“We will share any lessons that may be learned with the force and wider organisations as they emerge. At the conclusion of our investigation, we will decide whether any individual has a disciplinary case to answer.”
As well as the coroner’s investigation and IOPC inquiry, the National Police Chiefs’ Council is also looking at the Devon and Cornwall force’s firearms policies and procedures. Changes to those procedures nationally are proposed.