Army on standby in UK as armed officers go on revolt over colleague charged with murder

The head of the Metropolitan Police has called for stronger legal protections for police officers after a situation where armed police officers withdrew from their duties, leading to the army being put on standby. In response to a murder charge against one of their fellow officers, many Metropolitan Police officers tasked with firearms duties have stepped back from their roles. This has prompted the military to stand ready to step in if needed. Sir Mark Rowley, the commissioner of the force, has welcomed an inquiry into the matter by Home Secretary Suella Braverman. In an open letter, he emphasized the importance of allowing the police to carry out their duties and the need for a system that instills confidence in both officers and the communities they serve. Rowley stated, “We must have a system that people believe in, where officers are held to the highest standards. This includes the use of force, which should be no exception. The process for evaluating officers’ actions should be rooted in integrity and should result in swift and fair decisions.” He also stressed the necessity of reviewing accountability mechanisms, including the practices of the Independent Office for Police Conduct and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). This review should particularly focus on when to investigate police use of force and involvement in pursuits. “The announcement of this review is a positive step,” Rowley added. “I’ve been vocal about the need to allow the police to do their job. We are committed to making improvements within the Met, but this progress is hindered by a system that doesn’t support officers adequately.” More than 100 officers have reportedly surrendered their permits to carry firearms, leading Scotland Yard to seek assistance from the military. This crisis unfolded after an unnamed officer was charged with the murder of Chris Kaba, a 24-year-old who was shot and killed in Streatham Hill, South London, in September the previous year. The accused officer is identified only as NX121 due to a court order granting anonymity. In response, Ms. Braverman stated, “Our courageous firearms officers protect us from society’s most dangerous and violent individuals. They must make rapid decisions under extreme pressure. They should not fear facing legal action for doing their duty. I fully support officers risking their lives to keep us safe, and I will do everything in my power to support them. That’s why I’ve initiated a review to ensure they can carry out their duties with confidence while safeguarding us all.”