"Police Protests and Armed Officers: A Look at the Impact on Public Safety in Britain"
Some officers in London's police force are refusing to conduct armed patrols after a colleague was charged with murder in the shooting of an unarmed Black man. The officer, who has not been publicly named, was granted conditional bail and is expected to stand trial next year. Over 100 officers have turned in their firearm permits, and police from neighboring forces have been called in to help patrol London. The force has requested assistance from the Ministry of Defense for counterterrorism support. Fatal shootings by police in the UK are rare, and it is uncommon for British police officers to be charged with murder or manslaughter while on duty. The Metropolitan Police has faced intense scrutiny for officer misconduct, including cases of rape and racism.