London police shun firearms duties over colleague's murder charge

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00:00 Only about one in ten of London's police officers carry firearms ordinarily.

00:05 But after their colleague was charged with murder,

00:08 scores of them have put down their guns in protest.

00:11 A spokesperson for the London Met Police Department said,

00:14 "A number of officers have taken the decision to step back from armed duties

00:19 while they consider their positions.

00:21 They are concerned that the murder charge signals a shift in the way the decisions they make

00:26 in the most challenging circumstances will be judged."

00:30 Chris Capper died from a single gunshot wound to the head

00:33 after officers in an unmarked vehicle pursued and stopped the car he was driving

00:38 in South London in September 2022.

00:41 Capper was unarmed.

00:43 His family welcomed the decision to charge the Metropolitan Police officer who fired the gun,

00:48 saying they and the wider community needed to seek justice for Chris.

00:52 "Cruise for Capper!"

00:54 His death last year sparked protests against racism in the British police force.

00:59 "We're not offered the same justice other ethnic groups are."

01:04 The officer, who has not been publicly named, was charged on Wednesday

01:09 and has been released on bail until his trial expected next year.

01:14 UK media said that more than 100 officers had since refused to conduct armed patrols

01:19 and that police from neighbouring forces were called in to help in London on Saturday night.

01:24 The army was also put on standby for counter-terrorism support should it be needed.

01:29 "Home Secretary!"

01:31 In response, the UK Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, said officers had her full backing

01:36 because they mustn't fear ending up in the dock for carrying out their duties.

01:41 She said she's launched a review into armed policing.

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