‘We’re less supported!’ Firearms officers refuse to assist in London after Chris Kaba case
Firearms officers outside of London are refused to step in to assist colleagues in the capital after the Chris Kaba case amid fears of being exposed to even higher risks, a report has revealed.
Officers remain prepared to carry weapons in their own force areas but do not believe they would receive sufficient support in London.
Minutes from a meeting of the National Police Chiefs’ Council also highlighted that top officers agreed it was “crucial” to introduce reforms to bolster support for staff across the country.
An extract from the minutes seen by The Times said: “Chiefs commented on the impact all this has on their families, with the suggestion that more work could be done on the support package for firearms officers.”
The minutes added: “Officers are not wanting to be pursuit-trained and are not confident in using their powers to discharge their duties. This in turn will affect the public’s confidence in policing.”
Soldiers were also put on standby last year to help with counter-terrorism duties after hundreds of officers in the capital downed weapons.
There are concerns that military personnel could be called upon again if Scotland Yard firearms officers stage another walkout.
The NPCC also disucssed contingency plans as a walkout would threaten the police’s usual reliance on mutual aid.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
‘Damaging trust!’ BBC blasted for claim black communities ‘traumatised’ by Chris Kaba verdictTory sparks fury after slamming Labour for ‘not consulting trans people’ on public toiletsLondon gang places ‘£10,000 bounty’ on Met Police marksman after Chris Kaba trial
“They do not want to put their officers in jeopardy but, also, they have their own public in their own geographical area to protect,” said one quote in the minutes.
However, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper appeared to settle nerves after announcing measures to protect marksmen from prosecution.
Responding to her announcement, NPCC lead for armed policing Simon Chesterman said: “The Government’s determination to get accountability right has settled things down. We’re not facing a mass walkout.”
However, Chesterman conceded firearms officers outside of London remain reluctant to assist Scotland Yard.
He said: “There is a widely held perception that the situation in London is more finely balanced than outside.
“Because of the threat and risk you are more likely to get in an incident, and they feel they are less likely to be supported.
“If officers who are trained to operate in London are not prepared to do the job, it’s a big ask to expect someone else to come in.”
Tensions reached boiling point as officers complained about Martyn Blake being charged with the murder of known gang member Kaba in September 2022.
Blake, 40, was acquitted by a jury but people now express concerns about him being named during the trial.