The Met Police has insisted armed officers has sought to confirm the status of its firearms officers after reports claimed ‘more than 100’ had handed back their weapons.
The force said on Monday that such claims had been incorrect, and that counterterrorism officers and Met Police officers are still on duty across London.
It had come after an unnamed officer, known only as NX121, had appeared in court last week and had been charged with the murder of Chris Kaba, 24, who had been shot at through the window of his car in September last year.
The incident had taken place in Streatham in south London, with the incident culminating in the dad-to-be’s death.
Officers had reportedly criticised the charge authorised against their colleague who had been acting in the line of duty, which had in turn sparked uproar about how armed officers act on-the-spot.
‘Some have returned to work’
It had been reported by Sky News that the MOD had offered the help of the army to deal with any shortfalls in staff numbers. A move which has now been confirmed by the force.
But, the Met Police has since issued a lengthy statement detailing its position after the charge.
It says: “Senior officers, including the Commissioner, have been meeting with firearms officers in recent days as they reflect on the CPS decision to charge NX121 with murder.
“Many are worried about how the decision impacts on them, on their colleagues and on their families. They are concerned that it signals a shift in the way the decisions they take in the most challenging circumstances will be judged.
“A number of officers have taken the decision to step back from armed duties while they consider their position but in the past 24 hours some have returned.”
The Met said it is in ongoing discussions with officers to “support and fully understand their genuine concerns”.
“The Met has a significant firearms capability and we continue to have armed officers deployed in communities across London as well as at other sites including Parliament, diplomatic premises, airports etc,” it added.
“To ensure that we can continue to keep the public safe and respond to any eventualities, since Saturday evening Met firearms officers have been supported by a limited number of armed officers from other UK forces.”
In regards to the MOD offering to plug any gaps with army personnel, the Met sais this would only be used “in specific circumstances” and “where appropriate policing response was not available.”
“Armed forces personnel will not be used in a routine policing capacity,” the statement continued.
“We will keep these measures under review. Met officers still make up the vast majority of armed resources deployed across London.”
