The Metropolitan Police have confirmed they will push ahead with plans to deploy armed officers on foot patrols in residential areas with high levels of violent crime, despite a rift with London Mayor Sadiq Khan. The plans, which would see officers carry their weapons visibly and ready for use, represent a departure from traditional policing where firearms officers are only deployed when suspects are thought to be armed.
The force’s leadership, including Commissioner Cressida Dick, emphasised that the move would not amount to routine armed patrols across the capital. Commander Kyle Gordon, head of firearms for the Met, said the force would consult further before a final decision is made. He explained that armed officers leaving their vehicles to walk short distances could enhance community confidence and deter violent activity, including knife and gang crime.
Gordon stated that officers on such patrols would carry their main weapon and a pistol on their hip, with weapons accessible and visible. He added that armed officers were trained to a higher standard to deal with conflict and also carry Tasers. However, he stressed that officers would not open fire if a suspect with a knife refused to comply, unless there was an honestly held belief that a life was in danger.
The plans have sparked criticism and a rift with Mayor Sadiq Khan, who was not consulted despite the force being accountable to him under law. A senior source in the mayor’s office said the Met had mishandled the plans and blundered by not consulting the mayor, though full confidence in the commissioner remains. Len Duvall, a Labour member of the London Assembly, welcomed the apparent rowing back and stressed that any new tactics must be effective and appropriate.
Victor Olisa, a former commander in Tottenham, an area with above-average violent crime, supported the idea following proper consultation. He noted that the same protection afforded to areas like Westminster for terrorism should apply to areas like Tottenham for serious violence. However, he cautioned that the police must ensure the move is not misinterpreted, as armed officers would likely be deployed in areas with large black populations.
