Army Stood Down as Gun Cops Resume Duty
The Army has been stood down from counter-terror policing support in London as armed police officers return to their duties. This comes after an extraordinary row, in which some regional armed officers refused to fill in.
Two Sides Clash in Controversial Dispute
More than 300 Metropolitan Police officers had handed in their weapons in protest after a colleague was charged with the murder of rapper Chris Kaba. However, the Met's plea for armed police assistance from other forces was met with refusal by many. A dispute also occurred between Met armed cops and Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire firearms officers, who were among the few forces to travel to London.
Authorised Firearms Officers Still Refusing to Return
Some Authorized Firearms Officers are still refusing to return to work, but their role is being filled by a "limited number" of provincial colleagues. These officers are assisting with non-terrorism firearms duties in order to provide the capital with adequate cover.
Military Help No Longer Required
The Metropolitan Police announced that military help is no longer required, after meetings with Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and a review ordered by Home Secretary Suella Braverman into the legal rights of cops involved in shootings. The Met expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Defence and the armed forces personnel involved for their support and stated that a limited number of armed officers from other UK police forces are still providing non-counterterrorism armed policing assistance.
Anger in the Ranks
The Met was left with just one of its seven teams of Counter Terrorism Specialist Firearms Officers after police officers walked out in anger. This was sparked by an officer being charged with the murder of Chris Kaba, who died from a single shot to the head in Streatham, South London. The officer's vehicle had been flagged up on an automatic number plate recognition system.
PM Calls for Clarity
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed the need for "clarity" regarding the legal powers of armed police officers as he supported the Home Secretary's review.
