BBC reports that the IPCC are to press for charges against the two firearms officers who shot Jean Charles de Menezes are pretty worrying. These officers were carrying out their duty of protecting London and Londoners against what they thought was a suicide bomber just days after dozens were killed and many more injured by four mass murderers.
Had they failed to act and their target been a bomber dozens or even hundreds of innocent people could have been killed. How many pundits now attacking them for not showing restraint would have applauded restraint in those circumstances?
Even if the CPS were to proceed with charges it’s impossible to see how the officers could receive a fair trial given the high profile and at times hysterical media coverage.
What is often forgotten in these debates is the fact that armed police in this country are volunteers who put their lives on the line daily simply by doing their job and serving their community.
As regrettable as the death of Mr de Menezes is, the public interest will not be served by undermining the morale of officers who comprise this vital component in London’s fight against crime.
