Public Backs Use Of Plastic Bullets On Rioters

Plastic bullets and water cannon should be more readily available to police officers for future riots, according to a new report.

The study by the police watchdog Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) found that public opinion backs the use of more robust tactics.

Three quarters of people surveyed strongly supported plastic bullets and the water cannon but the report points out: "They both have limitations and are not a panacea".

In some areas during August's violence officers were slow to respond and were hampered by delays in getting equipment to the right places.

The fast-moving nature of the disorder presented huge logistical problems for officers trying to control the unprecedented scale of looting and disorder.

Plastic bullets were not used in the summer and have never been used during public disorder on mainland UK.

Officially known as AEPs (Attenuating Energy Projectiles) plastic bullets have a controversial history, particularly during the Troubles in Northern Ireland where people were seriously injured or killed.

Police forces now insist the current generation of plastic bullets are safer and have not caused serious injuries, officers argue they are a valuable tactic in some very specific circumstances.

The HMIC report said: "They should only be used in a targeted way and when absolutely necessary against individuals causing danger, and not fired indiscriminately."

Currently the only water cannon in the UK are based in Northern Ireland and the report acknowledges that they can be ineffective, especially when disorder flares up in different areas.

They cost more than £1m each and, ideally, are deployed in pairs.

The "Rules of Engagement" report also made clear that any investment in more equipment would have to be balanced with demands on other policing budgets.