Police rethink shoot to kill policy

guardian: Britain's top police officers are reviewing the controversial shoot to kill policy after its first use ended in the gunning down of an innocent man, the Guardian has learned.

The review by the Association of Chief Police Officers comes amid a continuing dispute around the Metropolitan police commissioner, Sir Ian Blair, over his handling of the killing of Brazilian Jean Charles de Menezes.

A senior police source and member of Acpo said: "The review is not theoretical, it is looking in great depth."

Among the issues to be considered are:

Whether any other non-lethal weapons exist or are in development that could rapidly incapacitate a suspected suicide bomber

How much intelligence is needed before officers are authorised to shoot to kill

How to assess intelligence rapidly when under massive pressure

How to ensure effective communications between commanders at base and those pursuing a suspect. Read more