Officers Had Temporarily Stepped Back Following Charge in Chris Kaba Case

Metropolitan Police firearms officers have resumed their normal duties after some initially put down their weapons in protest over the murder charge brought against one of their colleagues. The crisis began earlier this month after the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decided to charge an officer with the murder of 24-year-old Chris Kaba, who was unarmed when he was fatally shot by police in Streatham Hill, south-east London, on September 6, 2022.

The officer, identified only as NX121, appeared in Westminster Magistrates’ Court last week, where he was granted anonymity, a decision that is set to be challenged in court. Following the charge, more than 100 firearms officers handed in their accreditation to carry weapons, leading to a temporary shortage of armed personnel.

In response, Scotland Yard placed the Army on standby to cover counter-terrorism duties, although the military was not called upon. Officers from other police forces also assisted, but on Thursday, the Metropolitan Police announced that the additional support was no longer required. The force confirmed that more armed officers had returned to duty, ensuring that there is now a full firearms response across London.

In a statement, the Metropolitan Police expressed gratitude to the officers who had helped, adding, “We no longer require mutual aid officers to assist in London, and we are grateful to our police colleagues who offered us their support.”

The decision by some officers to step back from armed duties came as a result of concerns that the charge against their colleague signalled a shift in how their actions in critical, split-second situations might be judged. Scotland Yard acknowledged the situation had caused unrest among officers, leading them to reflect on their positions.

The Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, has called for a review of armed policing, stressing that firearms officers must be able to make rapid decisions without fear of facing legal consequences. However, her remarks were met with criticism, as some felt her comments did not fully address the challenges faced by officers on the ground.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak echoed the need for clarity around the legal powers of armed police, joining Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley in backing the review. Rowley highlighted the concerns of firearms officers, who feared prolonged legal proceedings even when adhering to tactics and training, which could affect their well-being and that of their families.

He said, “Carrying a firearm is voluntary. We rely on officers who are willing to put themselves at risk on a daily basis to protect the public from dangerous criminals, including terrorists. Officers need sufficient legal protection to do their job and keep the public safe, with the confidence that the law will be applied consistently and without fear or favour.”