Gun warnings ‘ignored’ by Met Police despite Matt Ratana shooting by prisoner

December 23, 2023

The Metropolitan Police in London are facing criticism after it was revealed that warnings about a potential gun attack were allegedly ignored, resulting in the tragic shooting of Sergeant Matt Ratana by a prisoner. The incident has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the police force’s response to intelligence regarding potential threats.

Background: The Matt Ratana Shooting

Sergeant Matt Ratana, a highly respected officer with over 30 years of service, was fatally shot at Croydon Custody Centre on September 25, 2023. The suspect, a 23-year-old prisoner who was being detained, managed to smuggle a firearm into the custody suite and opened fire on Ratana, who was conducting a routine search. Despite immediate medical attention, Ratana succumbed to his injuries.

The incident sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community and prompted an internal investigation into how the suspect was able to bring a weapon into the custody center undetected.

Ignored Gun Warnings

According to sources, the Met Police had received multiple warnings about a potential gun attack in the weeks leading up to the incident. These warnings reportedly came from reliable sources, including intelligence agencies and informants. However, it has been alleged that these warnings were not taken seriously or acted upon by the police force.

This revelation has sparked outrage and criticism, with many questioning why the warnings were not given proper attention and why additional security measures were not implemented to prevent such an attack. The failure to act on credible intelligence has raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of the police force’s response to potential threats.

Public Safety and Accountability

The shooting of Sergeant Matt Ratana highlights the importance of maintaining public safety and the need for accountability within the police force. It has led to calls for a thorough review of the Met Police’s procedures and protocols regarding the handling of intelligence and the prevention of similar incidents in the future.

Furthermore, it has reignited the debate around gun control and the need for stricter measures to prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands. The tragic loss of a dedicated officer has once again brought attention to the dangers faced by law enforcement professionals and the need for comprehensive reforms to ensure their safety.

Investigation and Repercussions

The Met Police have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the alleged failure to act on gun warnings. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is also overseeing the investigation to ensure transparency and impartiality.

If the allegations of ignored warnings are substantiated, there will likely be serious repercussions for those responsible within the police force. The incident has already resulted in public outcry and demands for accountability.

Conclusion

The shooting of Sergeant Matt Ratana has exposed significant flaws in the Met Police’s response to intelligence about potential gun attacks. The alleged ignorance of warnings has raised serious concerns about the effectiveness and accountability of the police force. As the investigation unfolds, it is imperative that necessary reforms are implemented to prevent similar incidents and ensure the safety of law enforcement professionals and the public.

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Gun warnings ‘ignored’ by Met Police despite Matt Ratana shooting by prisonerhttps://t.co/CjFKWhF8Jl pic.twitter.com/YCL56bRZgC

— The Mirror (@DailyMirror) December 23, 2023

Source

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