Metropolitan Police Authorised Firearms Officers (AFO) have threatened to hand in their firearms permits following the treatment of their colleague in the wake of the fatal shooting of Chris Kaba, as reported by The Telegraph.
AFOs have told their bosses that they intend to hand back their permits which entitle them to carry firearms whilst on duty, which could leave Londoners exposed to the threat of armed criminals in the capital at a time when many perceive that gun-enabled crime is increasing.
Due to the increased threat from gun totting criminals in the capital over recent years, the Met has increased the number of AFOs and armed response vehicles.
Firearms officers go through months of intensive training before they are allowed to patrol and respond to calls with firearms. Yet they receive no additional remuneration for being AFOs.
Following the shooting of Chris Kaba, the officer involved was placed on restricted ‘non-operational’ duties, which is a standard procedure following an officer-involved shooting.
But many people feel that a persistent campaign, led by some sections of the mainstream media and several MPs, resulted in the officer being suspended from duty.
24-year-old Chris Kaba – a well-known drill rap artist – died after a police pursuit ended in Streatham Hill on Monday, 5th September.
Initial reports suggest that the Audi that Kaba was driving had been linked to a firearms incident that had occurred in the previous days.
Some reports in the mainstream media have mentioned that the Audi was not registered to Mr Kaba without realising that the vast majority of firearms markers are placed on the vehicle registration mark of a car via Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) rather than being placed solely on the registered keeper.
When the Audi passed through a set of Automatic Number Plate Readers (ANPR), officers in the area were alerted to the vehicle’s presence.
Several Armed Response Vehicles (ARVs) made their way to the scene and quickly located the Audi. But when officers indicated for the Audi to stop, it failed to do so.
A pursuit ensued, ending when the fleeing Audi was boxed in.
No details have been released regarding the nature of the firearms incident that happened in the days leading up to the incident or the intelligence linked to the Audi that Kaba was driving.
It is understood that Mr Kaba had recently been released from prison after serving a custodial sentence for firearms offences.
On 13th September, the Metropolitan Police Federation released a short but strongly worded statement condemning the ‘Ill-informed commentary from those in positions of power.’
To stay updated with post-event fact-based details, please make sure you subscribe to our free newsletter by clicking HERE.
Join our WhatsApp community!
ESN is now on WhatsApp, and we want you to join our communities.
To join, you need to have WhatsApp on your device. All you need to do is click the link and press 'Join community'.
No one will be able to see who is signed up, and no one can send messages except the ESN team.
Joining our WhatsApp channel is a great way to help support our work and best of all, it is free!
If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community, click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Before you read or leave a comment...
In an age where mainstream media often overlooks the sacrifices made by our emergency services personnel, Emergency Services News is a critical voice you can trust
While we persist in our mission, we need your help to continue. Your donation directly enables us to produce high-quality content that elevates the stories and challenges faced by the men and women who serve, stories that are often ignored elsewhere.
We deeply appreciate your support. Your contribution empowers us to keep shining a light on the remarkable, yet often overlooked, individuals who serve our communities every day. Thank you for standing with us.
You can support emergency services news from as little as £1. It only takes a minute. Every contribution, however big or small, is vital for our future.
Please help us to continue to highlight the life-saving work of the emergency services, NHS and armed forces by becoming a supporter.
I thought innocent until proved guilty, unless people kick up, then the same rules don’t apply.
He failed to stop. Tough.
No mention – except on GB News on 20.09.2022 – about Kaba’s past criminal history on main stream cowardly Politically Correct, Woke (Progressive?) News, only slamming the officer who was doing his job.
Sadly, the IOPC seems to favour criminals, NOT those putting their lives at risk daily.
As a mature person, the frequently (personally) asked question is “What has Britain become?”
Time to support our excellent Police Forces properly.
The IOPC seem to Salivate at the chance to Investigate any Police Officer for even Minor things. Some Officers have had to Waite over a year on restricted duties . To be told no further action or a minor procedure infringement. I would not blame any AFO if they handed back they’re Ticket . The Country could not congratulate them enough when they shot the Terrorists at Borough Market in London on 3rd June 2017.