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IOPC investigation recommends search wands to be introduced into all forces following shooting of Sergeant Matt Ratana

Factual summary of a published IOPC investigation, covering the incident, key findings and outcome.

All IOPC reports
Published
2023-06-23
Investigation type
independent
Force involved
Metropolitan Police Service

What was investigated

An investigation was conducted following the fatal shooting of a custody sergeant by a detained individual in a custody suite. The IOPC examined the actions of police officers during the incident, particularly regarding the search procedures and the use of handheld metal detectors.

Key findings

  • The suspect was arrested for possession of Class B drugs and ammunition.
  • No firearm was found during the initial search of the suspect.
  • The suspect was shot by the officer after hiding a firearm during the search.
  • There were multiple failures in the search procedure which could have led to the firearm being found earlier.
  • Officers displayed bravery while attempting to disarm the suspect during the incident.
  • The implementation of search wands may improve safety for officers and detainees.

Outcome

The recommendations for improved search procedures were accepted, and progress has been made in deploying handheld search wands across the force.

Read the full report on policeconduct.gov.uk

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Reviewed by the BlueLineHub Editorial Team
Last reviewed: 13 July 2026 · Next review due: 13 January 2027

This is a factual summary of a report published by the Independent Office for Police Conduct. Individuals are referred to exactly as the source report anonymises them. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the IOPC · Summarised 2026-07-13.