Chris Kaba shooting - Met officer will not face misconduct proceedings

Martyn Blake shot the 24-year-old gang member in Streatham, south-east London, in 2022 after he tried to ram his way past police cars.

The officer, known by the cypher NX121, was cleared of murder by a jury at the Old Bailey, but had still been facing potential misconduct proceedings.

Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has said he welcomes the decision by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

He said: "Today's decision finally brings to an end almost four years of uncertainty for NX121, his family and the wider firearms command, with all the considerable worry and stress that has brought.

"We also recognise the profound impact on Chris Kaba’s family, who continue to grieve their loss.

"Since NX121’s unanimous acquittal by an Old Bailey jury, and in the absence of any evidence that he failed in his duties, we have been clear and consistent in our view that he should not face a misconduct hearing.

"Our armed officers respond to more than 4,000 incidents each year, but there are only one or two incidents where shots are fired by police.

"It is undeniable that they are the most professional, most accountable and most cautious in their use of lethal force in the world.

"The IOPC has now reconsidered NX121’s case in light of the recent change in the law, and we welcome this sensible decision.

"But this must be a milestone moment to reset a police accountability system that is out of balance.

"No police officer is above the law, but we have been clear the system holding police to account is broken.

"I worry about the lack of support officers face for doing their best, but most of all I worry for the public.

"As I have said before, the more we crush the spirit of good officers, the less they can fight crime.

"That risks London becoming less safe.

"If your job is confronting dangerous and sometimes murderous criminals on behalf of communities, of course timely accountability for use of force is essential.

"But your life being on hold for four years or more as you go through multiple accountability processes is a disgraceful way to treat brave men and women.

"I also see the profound effect these cases routinely have on officers’ families.

"NX121’s case is a high-profile example of something that is all too common for front line officers.

"The consequence is that while officers’ physical bravery knows no bounds, too often they are hesitant because of the multiple legal jeopardies they face.

"Criminals are held to account once by the courts - officers can be held to account four times through criminal, misconduct, civil and inquest processes that span years.

"That cannot be right.

"As it currently stands:

"Officers risk investigation if pursuing a criminal who crashes, injuring themselves or others.

"Officers risk investigation if a suspect harms himself by swallowing drugs to evade detection.

"Officers risk investigation if a doctor decides a suspect is well enough to be held in custody but they then become ill or die.

"Officers risk investigation if having released a paedophile on bail he commits suicide.

"Officers have even faced investigation for administering first aid – when good intentions have had unintended consequences.

"Progress is being made, but not quickly enough.

"We still await some recommendations from the rapid accountability review by the Home Office to be implemented.

"It is good that the Home Office has now announced a review of the whole police accountability system to make it fairer, faster, proportionate and more effective, so the public and the thousands of officers who serve with integrity every day can have confidence that it is fit for purpose.

"We will continue to push for new legislation if necessary to ensure that the law protects those who are on the right side of it."