"Each situation will be different and it would be an operational matter for the police officer concerned as to what action should be taken, " the statement added.

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Anne Studd QC, representing the police, told the appeal court Sir Robert had failed to understand "the bigger policing picture" and had failed to build in any operational discretion when officers genuinely believed they were in an emergency situation that required them to act at once.

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The resolution to the situation becomes clear to Picard, when shields are at 0% and warp drive is non-operational.

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"I would hope and expect to see changes in operational practice and in the way in which police engage with families in what is a very difficult but important situation where you are dealing with high risk, vulnerable people who are missing, " Dr Maguire added.

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