London's Armed Police: Up Close and Personal

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A “limited number” of armed officers from other departments are still providing assistance in other areas of policing. But that only fueled the concerns of some campaigners who said there is already a “lack of accountability” in the police force. A number of officers have taken the decision to step back from armed duties while they consider their position. The Met has a significant firearms capability and we continue to have armed officers deployed in communities across London as well as at other sites including parliament, diplomatic premises, airports, etc. The police proverb 'better to be judged by twelve men than carried in a coffin by six' is no doubt true; but it is also vital that senior police officers exercise strong, wise and thoroughly engaged leadership and supervision of these firearms teams who have to carry out their duty in such extraordinary situations.

Commenting on the review, Met Police commissioner Sir Mark Rowley suggested firearms officers were concerned that they would face years of legal proceedings, "even if they stick to the tactics and training they have been given".

Only three forces in the United Kingdom routinely arm officers due to the nature of their work; the Ministry of Defence Police who are responsible law enforcement on MOD property, the Civil Nuclear Constabulary who guard civil nuclear facilities, and the Police Service of Northern Ireland. These units are provided with increased firepower, more equipment and training than regular officers.

Whatever the readers' motivation, this is a readable and well laid out account of the Met police firearms unit and one that is sure to not disappoint. Moreover, it was the first use of stun grenades by British police and the first time in the firearms wing’s 20-year history they had fired a shot. In this massacre, two fugitives shot and killed three police officers in cold blood while evading apprehension.

The AFOs first on scene would attempt to contain an armed subject if they are inside a building, whereas if they were in the open where an immediate threat is posed a quicker solution would be sought. It is understood that firearms cover at airports, royalty and diplomatic protection and at parliament will not be affected. and if they had realised or not the immense danger they were in, they were ready to face the consequence nevertheless.

As seen in Metro (May 2019): 'Dramatic pictures show gritty life of an armed police officer in London'. Armed Response Vehicle (ARV) units also commonly referred to as ‘Trojans’ are quick response units for firearms incidents in London. We are closely monitoring the situation and are exploring contingency options, should they be required,” said the force. The then Commissioner of the London Metropolitan Police, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe has decided that he will double the number of armed officers and promised a 'significant' further announcement.Split second decisions have to be made in tense situations when movements of suspects may be seen as sinister. Come on a journey with veteran firearms officer, Stephen Smith as he goes behind the scenes of the Met's Specialist Firearms Unit, CO19. The Met Police said it was a "contingency option" that would only be used "in specific circumstances". As with all use of force in England and Wales, the onus is on the individual officer to justify their actions in court. Peter Fahy, the former chief constable of the Greater Manchester Police in northern England, said that the action by firearms officers was symptomatic of a wider discontent among officers and a lack of confidence in the Home Office and the Independent Office of Police Conduct.

Firearms cover at airports, parliament and relating to the royal family and diplomatic protection is not being affected by some officers pulling out of armed patrols. The Home Secretary said: "We depend on our brave firearms officers to protect us from the most dangerous and violent in society.Such an assault may be preceded by "ferret" CS gas canisters fired into the property, to concuss and soften resistance. Officers need sufficient legal protection to enable them to do their job and keep the public safe, and the confidence that it will be applied consistently and without fear or favor. However, if Operation Kratos contingency plans are activated, an armed officer may shoot at the target's head, to kill, as a standard incapacitating shot risks detonating a bomb attached to the person. Before a major reconstruction of the rules regarding operational use of firearms, high-ranking officers such as Chief Inspectors or Superintendents could authorise firearms officers to draw weapons from an Armed Response Vehicle (ARV), in the event of an "immediate threat to life".