One sentence summary – Metropolitan Police firearms officers have begun to hand in their weapons following the murder charge against one of their colleagues, prompting concerns about the impact on their duties and a lack of support from senior leaders and the public; the force is actively engaged in discussions with the officers to address their concerns and explore contingencies, while armed officers are still deployed across London and other locations.
At a glance
- Metropolitan Police firearms officers have begun to hand in their weapons.
- A force marksman, identified as NX121, has been charged with the murder of Chris Kaba.
- Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has met with 70 firearms officers in response to the murder charge.
- A number of officers have decided to step back from armed duties.
- The Metropolitan Police is exploring contingencies to cope with a potential shortage of armed officers.
The details
Metropolitan Police firearms officers have begun to hand in their weapons.
This follows the charging of a force marksman, identified as NX121, with the murder of Chris Kaba.
The accused officer has appeared at both Westminster Magistrates’ Court and the Old Bailey to face the murder charge.
Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has since met with 70 firearms officers who operate across London.
This meeting was in response to the murder charge.
Following this development, a number of officers have decided to step back from armed duties.
The number of officers stepping back has increased in the last 48 hours.
The Metropolitan Police is currently exploring contingencies to cope with a potential shortage of armed officers if needed.
Officers have expressed worry about how the decision to charge the officer with murder will impact them, their colleagues, and their families.
They are concerned that this decision signals a shift in how their decisions in challenging circumstances will be judged.
The Met Police is engaged in ongoing discussions with the officers to provide support and understand their concerns.
Despite these developments, the force continues to have armed officers deployed in communities across London and other sites.
However, officers on the frontline have expressed that they do not feel they have the support and backing of their senior leaders.
Additionally, there seems to be a lack of public support for the officers while investigations are ongoing.
In light of the lack of support, some officers have chosen not to drive police cars or carry weapons.
This decision is based on concerns about the potential consequences and lack of backing.
The force is working to address these concerns and maintain operational effectiveness.
Chris Kaba tragically died after being shot through an Audi windscreen in September of last year.
The accused officer, NX121, has been released on bail with certain conditions.
A plea and trial preparation hearing will be scheduled for December 1, with a possible trial date set for September 9 next year.
The Metropolitan Police is currently facing a situation where firearms officers have been handing in their weapons following the murder charge against one of their own.
Concerns about the impact on their duties, as well as worries about a lack of support from senior leaders and the public, have prompted officers to step back.
The force is actively engaged in discussions with the officers to address their concerns and explore contingencies.
Despite this, armed officers are still deployed across London and other locations.
The accused officer is out on bail, and legal proceedings are scheduled to take place in the coming months.
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| news.sky.com |
|---|
| – Metropolitan Police firearms officers have been handing in their weapons after a force marksman was charged with the murder of Chris Kaba. – |
| The officer accused of the murder appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court and the Old Bailey. – Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley met with 70 firearms officers who operate across London following the murder charge. – |
| A number of officers have “taken the decision to step back from armed duties” and this number has increased in the last 48 hours. – |
| The force is “exploring contingencies” to cope with a potential dearth of armed officers if needed. |
| – Officers are worried about how the decision to charge the officer with murder will impact them, their colleagues, and their families. – |
| The officers are concerned that this decision signals a shift in how their decisions in challenging circumstances will be judged. – |
| The Met Police is in ongoing discussions with the officers to support them and understand their concerns. – |
| The force continues to have armed officers deployed in communities across London and other sites. |
| – Officers on the frontline do not feel they have the support and backing of their senior leaders. – |
| There seems to be a lack of public support for the officers while investigations are ongoing. – Some officers have chosen not to drive police cars or carry weapons due to this lack of support. – Chris Kaba died after being shot through an Audi windscreen in September last year. – NX121, the officer accused of the murder, has been released on bail with certain conditions. – A plea and trial preparation hearing will be listed for December 1, with a possible trial date of September 9 next year. |
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