What's happened
Metropolitan Police officers step back from firearms duties after officer charged with murder
Why it matters
The decision by Metropolitan Police officers to step back from firearms duties raises concerns about the impact on their decision-making in challenging circumstances. It also highlights the need for legal protections for officers and the potential consequences of their actions. The support offered by the Ministry of Defence underscores the seriousness of the situation.
What the papers say
The Metropolitan Police officers are worried about how the decision impacts them and their families, and they fear a shift in the way their decisions will be judged. The Ministry of Defence has accepted a request to provide support to the Metropolitan Police. The officers' decision to step back from firearms duties has led to the deployment of additional officers from neighboring forces.
How we got here
The incident occurred in September 2022 when Chris Kaba was shot and killed while driving a vehicle in Streatham, south London. The officer involved was charged with murder, leading to concerns among other officers about the implications for their own decision-making.
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