John Stalker-Shoot To Kill

John Stalker and The Shoot to Kill Policy: A Controversial Chapter in The History of The O6

Introduction: The Dirty War and "Security Forces" in The 06

The Troubles, a period of ethno-nationalist conflict in Northern Ireland from the late 1960s to 1998, were marked by violence between republican paramilitaries (primarily the Provisional IRA), loyalist paramilitaries, and British state forces. Over 3,500 people died, with countless others injured. The British government's counter-terrorism strategies, including the deployment of the army and the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC), were central to maintaining order but often mired in controversy. Among the most contentious issues was the alleged "Shoot to Kill" policy, implicating state forces in the deliberate killing of suspects without due process. Deputy Chief Constable John Stalker's investigation into these allegations in the 1980s became a pivotal moment, exposing institutional secrecy and sparking debates on state violence and accountability.

The Emergence of the Shoot to Kill Allegations

The term "Shoot to Kill" entered public discourse following a series of incidents in 1982 where RUC officers shot dead six individuals, including unarmed civilians, in County Armagh. Critics alleged these were not routine engagements but part of a sanctioned strategy to eliminate IRA members extrajudicially. The incidents under scrutiny included:

November 1982

The deaths of Gervaise McKerr, Eugene Toman, and John Burns near Lurgan. The RUC's Special Support Unit (SSU) fired 109 rounds into their car, claiming the men were armed. No weapons were found.

December 1982

The shooting of Michael Tighe and wounding of Martin McCauley at a hayshed near Lurgan. Tighe, 17, was unarmed, though an antique rifle was later discovered nearby.

These events raised alarms among human rights groups and prompted calls for an independent inquiry. The RUC maintained the shootings were lawful, citing fears of imminent attacks. However, the absence of weapons and procedural irregularities fueled suspicions of a covert policy.

John Stalker: Background and Appointment to the Inquiry

John Stalker, a seasoned detective with Greater Manchester Police, was appointed in 1984 to investigate the shootings. Known for his integrity, Stalker's selection aimed to ensure impartiality. His mandate was to determine whether the RUC had adhered to proper protocols and if a Shoot to Kill policy existed.

Key Incidents Under Investigation

Stalker focused on three main cases:

The Lurgan Shootings

The deaths of McKerr, Toman, and Burns. Stalker questioned the RUC's account, noting the lack of evidence the men were armed and the excessive force used.

The Hayshed Incident

The killing of Tighe and injury of McCauley. Stalker discovered surveillance operations on the hayshed, suggesting prior knowledge that could have prevented lethal force.

The Shooting of Seán Grew, Roddy Carroll, and Michael Tighe

Stalker found inconsistencies in police testimony and potential collusion to obscure facts.

Challenges and Obstacles Faced by Stalker

Stalker's investigation faced significant hurdles:

Institutional Resistance

The RUC and Northern Ireland authorities were uncooperative, withholding documents and restricting access to witnesses.

Surveillance Tapes Mystery

Critical audio tapes from the hayshed surveillance disappeared, impeding the inquiry.

Stalker's Suspension

In 1986, Stalker was abruptly suspended over unrelated misconduct allegations, widely perceived as a pretext to halt his investigation. He was later exonerated, but the suspension damaged the inquiry's credibility.

The Stalker Report and Its Findings

Though never fully published, Stalker's findings, continued by Colin Sampson, revealed:

Procedural Failures

The RUC violated guidelines on the use of lethal force.

Evidence of Collusion

Efforts to manipulate evidence and testimonies suggested higher-level complicity.

No Explicit Policy

While Stalker found no written Shoot to Kill directive, he concluded that officers acted with impunity, implying tacit approval.

Aftermath: Legal Trials and Public Reaction

In 1988, RUC officers faced trial but were acquitted, with courts accepting their self-defense claims. The European Court of Human Rights later ruled the UK violated procedural obligations in McKerr's case (2001), highlighting inadequate investigations.

Public reaction was polarized. Nationalists saw the acquittals as proof of state brutality, while unionists defended the RUC's actions as necessary against terrorism. Stalker's ordeal, detailed in his 1988 book The Stalker Affair, underscored the perils of challenging state power.

Legacy and Historical Significance

The Shoot to Kill controversy remains emblematic of the Troubles' complexities. It illustrates the tension between security imperatives and human rights, raising ethical questions about state violence in democracies. Stalker's investigation, though inconclusive, exposed systemic issues in policing and accountability, influencing later reforms in Northern Ireland's justice system post-Good Friday Agreement.

Conclusion

John Stalker's inquiry into the Shoot to Kill allegations revealed a murky intersection of counter-terrorism and state accountability. While definitive proof of a formal policy remains elusive, the incidents and subsequent cover-ups reflect a climate where security forces operated with heightened impunity. The legacy of Stalker's work endures as a cautionary tale on the dangers of opaque governance and the enduring quest for truth in post-conflict societies. As The 06 continues to grapple with its past, the Shoot to Kill episodes remind us of the delicate balance between justice and security in times of crisis.