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Senior Menezes officer 'excellent'
Justin Davenport, Crime Correspondent2 Oct 2008
The policewoman in charge of the operation that led to the shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes was "outstanding" that day, an inquest heard today.
Commander Cressida Dick was the "senior officer" on 22 July 2005 under the Metropolitan Police's Operation Kratos policy to deal with suspected suicide bombers.
She was the "best" choice to lead the control room overseeing the pursuit of Mr de Menezes amid fears he could be terrorist hussain Osman, the inquest into the innocent Brazilian's death was told.
Detective Chief Superintendent Jon Boutcher, her senior officer at the time, said he agreed with all her decisions and praised her "calm and sensible head". he told the hearing at the Oval cricket ground: " Commander Dick was outstanding that day. I think we were extremely fortunate to have her as designated senior officer. her performance that day was exemplary."
Mr Boutcher, who was in charge of the hunt for the failed suicide bombers behind the 21 July 2005 attacks on London, said he took "full responsibility" for Commander Dick's decisions. "I am the senior investigating officer and not only do I stand by Commander Dick's decisions, I actually believe this was my operation," he said.
Mr Boutcher yesterday told the inquest he believed no mistakes were made in the operation that led to the shooting. The senior officer also admitted there was still a risk of another person being killed in a similar situation. Mr de Menezes was shot seven times in the head at point blank range by two police marksmen after being allowed to get onto a train at Stockwell Tube station.
