Police firearms coverage remains ‘significantly less than normal’, says Met chief
Police firearms reporting remains “significantly lower than normal”, the head of the Met said yesterday.
Sir Mark Rowley said the shortage had left London forces with “difficult decisions”.
1
More than 100 firearms officers are refusing to work in protest at the charges against a colleague who murdered 24-year-old rapper Chris Kaba in Streatham last September.
But two-thirds have returned to duty after Interior Minister Suella Braverman promised one review in their legal rights.
Sir Mark said yesterday: “We can provide credible gun protection, but I have to be honest, it is still significantly less than normal, which will involve some difficult decisions.”
He said officers were “extremely concerned” about the charges against their colleague, known as NX121.
Sir Mark added: “Many are under pressure from partners, parents and children saying: ‘I’m worried about what you might go through because of your job’.”
An Old Bailey judge will decide next week if NX121 is to remain anonymous.
Police Minister Chris Philp said yesterday that armed police officers should be paid more than batsmen because of the “extraordinary danger” they face.
