The leader of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Mark Rowley, wants officers to have more legal protection. This is because armed police officers have rebelled, and now there is a possibility that the army might take their place.
Soldiers are ready to help the police because over 100 police officers stopped carrying guns after one of their colleagues was charged with murder.
The head of the police force is happy about a review of the situation done by the Home Secretary, Suella Braverman. In a letter to her, the commissioner said, “Let the police do their job. ”
Over 100 officers have given permission to carry guns, leading Scotland Yard to ask the military for help.
A problem arose when a police officer, who remains unidentified, was accused of murder for shooting and killing Chris Kaba, a 24-year-old who was not armed. This incident occurred in September of last year in Streatham Hill, located in south London.
Mrs Braverman said she wanted to check that armed officers feel sure about doing their job.
Sir Mark has recommended making some changes to how self-defense is understood in cases where the police have done something wrong. He also suggested using a higher standard of proof in investigations into unlawful killings and making it easier for the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to start an investigation.
He stated in the letter: ‘In the UK, we are proud to enforce laws with the agreement of the public, following the principles of responsibility, openness, and unbiased examination. ‘
We need a system that both officers and communities trust and believe in.
‘When bad things happen, people want us to be held to very high standards. ’
I have clearly stated this in every aspect of police work, and the use of force should be no different.
The system that determines if officers did something wrong should be honest and fair. Decisions should be made quickly and fairly, without any fear or special treatment.
We have to look at how the Independent Office for Police Conduct and the Crown Prosecution Service are held accountable. We should review their policies and practices, especially when it comes to deciding whether to investigate police actions in using force and being involved in chases.
The announcement of the review today is something we are happy about.
I have been talking to the public lately about the importance of letting the police do their job.
‘We are fully dedicated to bringing about change in the Met and we are making good progress, but this progress is being challenged by a system that is not designed to support officers in their success. ’
Sir Mark is asking for rules about how long investigations by the IOPC (Independent Office for Police Conduct) and CPS (Crown Prosecution Service) should take. He wants to make sure that officers who are being investigated don’t suffer too much.
He also said that more specific details about incidents should be shared with the public to make sure people trust the police.
The high-ranking officer said that the firearms officers are worried that even if they follow the tactics and training they have been given, they will have to deal with long and complicated legal processes for many years. This will affect their own well-being and also that of their family.
Previous reviews were announced, but they did not bring about any change.
‘Choosing to carry a gun is optional. ‘ We depend on brave officers who are ready to face danger every day to keep us safe from dangerous criminals, like terrorists.
Police officers must have adequate legal protection so that they can effectively perform their duties and ensure public safety. They also need to feel confident that this protection will be consistently applied without any bias or fear.
Rishi Sunak supported the review conducted by the Home Secretary, explaining that armed police officers should have clear information about their legal powers.
The Prime Minister was talking to TV and radio staff members while visiting a community center in Hertfordshire. He said that our police officers who use guns have a really tough job.
They are making quick decisions that can save our lives, and we should be thankful and appreciate their bravery.
It is crucial for them to use these legal powers with clear understanding and complete sureness, particularly because they are dealing with deadly force.
That’s why the Home Secretary wants her department to review the guidance that the officers are following, to make sure it is strong and that both the officers and the public trust it.
‘Of course, I cannot make guesses about cases that are still happening, but that is exactly what we are doing. ’
The police have asked for help from the military to fight against terrorism, and the Ministry of Defence has agreed to provide that help if it is necessary.
This is a backup plan that would only be used in certain situations when there is no suitable police response available.
The military will not be used to do regular police work. We will continuously check if we still need the support.
The Ministry of Defence has agreed to help the Metropolitan Police with counter-terrorism efforts if they need it.
The Home Secretary said: ‘We rely on our courageous police officers with guns to keep us safe from the most dangerous and violent people in our society. ‘
They have to make very quick decisions in order to keep the public safe, even when they are under a lot of pressure.
They shouldn’t be afraid of facing legal consequences for doing their job. I fully support the officers who risk their lives to keep us safe, and I will do everything I can to help them.
A police officer from the Metropolitan Police went to court on Thursday because someone named Mr. Kaba died after getting shot through a car windshield.
The police officer who is accused of killing someone is given the name NX121 because a judge ordered that their true identity should not be revealed.
