Sergeant Matiu Ratana Shot Dead

Elizabeth Bratton writes about the fatal shooting of Sergeant Matiu Ratana, who was killed in Croydon, London. His death has been mourned by politicians, rugby enthusiasts, and ex-colleagues. The incident has shocked the nation, as gun violence is relatively rare in the UK, with Ratana being the eighth UK police officer shot dead in 20 years. The events leading up his death are somewhat unclear, however a murder investigation is now underway.

On Friday the 25th of September, South London police officer Matiu Ratana was shot dead. The incident took place at approximately 02:15 BST in Croydon Custody Centre.

Family picture, Ratana and his partner Su Busby

Ratana had been checking in a man suspected of possessing ammunition, and Class B drugs with intent to supply. Immediately after firing, he turned the gun upon himself, and is now in a stable condition in hospital. The detainee was reportedly handcuffed, waiting to be scanned by a metal detector, when he launched his attack.

The 23-year-old attacker was known to counter-terrorism police, having previously been referred to the "Prevent" programme. This scheme aims to prevent young people from joining extremist organisations, and carrying out atrocities. However, this particular incident is not thought to be terror-related, and is instead being investigated as a murder.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct has clarified "A non-police issue firearm, which appears to be a revolver, has been recovered from the scene," and notes that further ballistic work needs to be conducted. At this early stage, authorities are questioning why and how the prisoner attained the gun; one line of inquiry is mental health issues, although it is currently whether this willl be considered in the upcoming trial.

Sir Peter Fahy, the former Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police has described the killing as "very callous", as he fears officers across the country are going to feel "so vulnerable". He recognises the circumstances surrounding the 54-year-old's death are "incredibly unusual", making note of the various procedures that have to be followed when admitting a new prisoner. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, extra precautions must be taken.

Cressida Dick, commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, has expressed her devastation: “The Met is a family. Policing is a family in London and across the United Kingdom. Today, we police are all mourning a great loss." She described Ratana as "big in stature, big in heart, friendly, capable, a lovely man, [and] respected by his colleagues."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Home Secretary Priti Patel, Labour Leader Keir Starmer, and London Mayor Sadiq Khan have all offered their sympathy. Johnson tweeted: "My deepest condolences go to the family, friends and colleagues of the police officer who was killed in Croydon last night. We owe a huge debt to those who risk their own lives to keep us safe", while Starmer wrote: "My deepest condolences go to the family, friends and colleagues of the police officer who was killed in Croydon last night."

Outside of policing, Ratana was a rugby coach at East Grinstead Rugby Club in West Sussex. Assistant coach Ryan Morlen remembers Ratana as "an absolutely lovely bloke", who is just so passionate about what he does; whether you're the most talented or least talented, he will treat you equal." Ratana was labelled a "machine" who would train young rugby players immediately after working a shift. England Rugby also posted a tweet in his memory.

Neil Donohue was a friend of Ratana, and described him as "the nicest, most generous man you could meet". In two months' time, Ratana would have been eligible for retirement, and had recently shifted to custodial policing as "the safest option".

Former police sergeant Alistair Livingstone told the BBC: "The police are incredibly good when things go wrong like this. Some of the best support police officers get is from each other. Mental health is such a big issue across society so I hope the officers get all the support they need."

The widow of PC Andrew Harper, who was murdered after being dragged by a car in August 2019, has offered her condolences. Lissie Harper said: “My heart is broken for yet another member of our blue line family, and all of his family, friends and colleagues who must now accept a life without him in it." She elaborated: “They protect us, but who protects them? Another life is gone in a disgraceful act that reminds us of the danger our police officers face with every shift they begin."