There is “significantly less” armed police cover than normal in London, the head of the Metropolitan Police has warned, after a revolt by officers.
Sir Mark Rowley admitted the force faced “difficult choices” after hundreds of officers stood down from firearms duties following a murder charge against one of their colleagues.
The Met Commissioner told a London policing board meeting on Tuesday: “We can provide credible firearms cover for London but I must be honest, it’s still significantly less than normal which will create some difficult choices.”
Cover has been drafted in from neighbouring forces and the military could be used in the event of a terror attack, but soldiers do not have the authority to be used in routine policing.
“It’s aided by other forces sending officers which have filled some of those gaps,” said Sir Mark, but added there was a “very significant effect on capability” over the past weekend.
He added firearms officers are “extremely anxious”, which was partly being driven by the concerns of their families.
The crisis has emerged after a police officer was charged with murder over the shooting of 24-year-old Chris Kaba, who was killed in September last year in Streatham Hill, south London.
Being gay or a woman isn’t reason enough to claim asylum, says Suella Braverman
UK weather: After Storm Agnes – hopes of a mini heatwave in October still alive as Met Office forecasts ‘above average’ temperatures
Cost of living latest: UK ‘should introduce three-day week for over-50s’; tax-free ISA limit could be raised; Sainsbury’s launches cheap wedding dress range
Sir Mark said firearms officers “absolutely expect to be held to account – and recognise it is so critical for families and communities to have trust in policing”.
However, he said officers’ anxiety was being driven by their families.
Sir Mark said: Many of them are under pressure from their partners, wives, husbands, parents, children, who actually are saying ‘I’m worried about what you might go through based on your job. I’m not sure we’re up to this as a family given the severity of it and the longevity that it might go’.”
Be the first to get Breaking News
Install the Sky News app for free
“The core of this issue is a real personal anxiety,” he continued.
“We have three different types of firearms officers… the numbers who have said ‘I’m not sure I can carry a firearm at the moment because I’m so anxious’ has varied across those areas.”
“We need a system of accountability… everyone needs confidence in a system which is speedy, professional and operates absolutely without fear or favour and searches for the truth,” he added.
“We must be held account to the use of force and it must be done in a way that is fair and transparent and builds trust in communities.
“It must also be done in a way that leaves officers confident to do the difficult jobs… in a way that they are confident of the process that follows.”
