The Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC) has been designated under Section 5B of the Police Armament and Body-Worn Recording Act 2026 (PABWR) as the independent investigative body for firearm discharges by sworn officers, separate from any officer's chain of command. The Commission is publishing guidance for the public and for officers ahead of the Act's commencement on 21 August 2026, when its investigative functions under Article 5 come into force.
From commencement, every discharge of a duty firearm will trigger a Commission investigation, and discharges causing death will receive an enhanced investigation addressing necessity, proportionality, command decisions, training, equipment and any systemic factor, as required by Section 5B.