London, Sept, 23, 2016 – Metropolitan Police has appealed for understanding following the verdict of lawful killing passed by the inquest on the death of James Fox.
James Fox who had a history of mental health was fatally shot by MPS officers at his home in Picardy House, Enfield shortly before midnight on 30th August 2015 by two officers who fired five shots between them and he died at the scene.
He was said to have pointed an object that looked like a gun at the police officer before he was shot. Speaking in reaction to the lawful killing verdict in the inquest into the death of Mr. James Fox, Commander Matt Twist, in charge of armed policing said it is vitally important that when a police officer shoots someone that the full facts of what took place are independently investigated and carefully considered by an inquest.
“My thoughts are with Mr Fox’s family, and I recognise that this must have been a very distressing time for them. All of our firearms officers are experienced police officers who volunteer for the additional responsibility of carrying a gun, to protect London and their unarmed colleagues.
“That night they knew that Mr Fox had threatened a child with what was believed be a gun and had made other threats to his family. Our officers went forward that evening knowing that they may have to place themselves between an armed and dangerous man and the public.
“The officers had seconds to act when Mr Fox opened his front door and pointed what looked like a gun at them. No police officer wants to take someone’s life. We ask our armed officers, and indeed expect them, to make split second decisions, in some of the most complex, fast moving and dangerous situations, to protect the public, their colleagues and themselves.
“All of our firearms officers are experienced police officers who volunteer for the additional responsibility and immense scrutiny that comes with carrying a gun. They fully understand that they will have to account for any force that they use. No officer would want it any other way. However, the impact and stress that this process can have on them as people should never be underestimated.
“The Met must provide every possible support for this difficult duty they undertake. We will only continue to get people to volunteer for this role and ensure the safety of all Londoners, if armed officers are supported through every post incident process. Body worn video has been invaluable in this case by providing an independent witness to events as they unfolded. That included the briefing the officers received; the warnings they shouted; the split seconds within which they acted and the attempts they made to save Mr. Fox’s life.
“We are committed to body worn video for firearms officers and operations for the good of the public and our officers. In London firearms officers respond to over 4,000 calls a year to reports of situations that are so dangerous an armed officer is needed, yet shots are very rarely fired. That is a testimony to their professionalism, skill and training”, he said.
