POLICE firearms coverage remains “significantly less than normal”, the Met’s chief said yesterday.
Sir Mark Rowley said the shortage has left the London force with “difficult choices”.
More than 100 gun officers are refusing to work in protest at a colleague being charged with murdering rapper Chris Kaba, 24, in Streatham last September.
But two thirds have returned to duty after Home Secretary Suella Braverman promised a review into their legal rights.
Sir Mark said yesterday: “We can provide credible firearms cover but, I must be honest, it’s still significantly less than normal which will create some difficult choices.”
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He said officers were “extremely anxious” over the charging of their colleague, known as NX121.
Sir Mark added: “Many are under pressure from partners, parents, children who are saying, ‘I’m worried what you might go through based on your job’.”
An Old Bailey judge will decide next week if NX121 should remain anonymous.
Policing minister Chris Philp yesterday said armed officers should be paid more than beat bobbies because of the “extraordinary danger” they faced.