MPA response to Met Firearms Officers’ action

76/04
2 November 2004

We are very concerned that this situation has arisen, and while we understand the feelings being expressed by officers in support of their two suspended colleagues, our first and foremost priority must be the protection and reassurance of Londoners. We appeal to the specialist firearms officers who have decided not to carry firearms to urgently reconsider their position.

There is still a judicial process continuing in relation to the Harry Stanley case and everyone should await the outcome before taking hasty action. The last five years have been extremely stressful for both the family of Harry Stanley and the two officers involved. The MPS has given considerable support to the officers and their families and will continue to do so.

Following the verdict of the inquest jury on 29 October and the announcement that the Crown Prosecution Service would review the case, the Met was left with little option but to suspend the officers.

We are in constant communication with the Commissioner and his management team to resolve this issue as quickly as possible. We may need to consider, at an appropriate stage, a faster and more efficient way of dealing with this type of situation.

At present the level of armed cover available on the streets of London has not been affected.

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