Shoot-to-kill policy is still in force

POLICE have introduced a raft of measures to prevent a repeat of the killing of an innocent civilian - but senior officers admit there is still no guarantee it cannot happen again.

Scotland Yard gave the Stockwell inquest a list of "improvements" it had made to tactics and equipment since the shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes. These range from better training to radios that work on the Tube. They have dropped the phrase Operation Kratos - the "shoot to kill strategy". But the tactic of shooting to kill, or "incapacitate", is the same. It is now called the "Extreme Threats" strategy.

Commander Jerry Savill, who is responsible for the Met's review of tactics to deal with suicide terrorists, said the strategy of dealing with suicide bombers broadly remained the same. However, changes include:

●An Airwave radio system which works on the Underground.

● Two new hi-tech control rooms.

● More firearms officers trained to deal with terrorist threats.

● Greater clarity around communications between command rooms and officers.

● In particular, firearms officers cannot fire unless they get a clear agreed signal.

● Fewer but better trained senior officers dealing with suicide bomber threats.

● Surveillance teams brought under one command to avoid confusion.

● More counter terrorism exercises to practice dealing with suicide bombers.